A Kent-based veterans’ charity is preparing to host a unique sleep-out event, where business leaders will spend the night in replica World War One trenches to raise awareness and funds for homeless veterans.
The Great Tommy Sleep Out, an initiative supporting Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), aims to highlight the challenges faced by former service members who struggle with homelessness. On Thursday, the sixth annual Chairman’s Sleep Out will welcome more than 80 senior executives from major corporations to the specially constructed trenches at Detling Showground.
An RBLI spokesperson emphasized the significance of the event, stating that participants will “spend a night under the stars in support of those who have served their country but later in life find themselves without a home.”
The campaign has seen tremendous success, raising £1.2 million in 2024 and earning the title of Fundraising Campaign of the Year at the Third Sector Awards. Looking ahead, RBLI is urging more participants to join in 2025, with aspirations to make this year’s event the largest and most impactful yet.
With the trenches event in Kent alone, the charity has set an ambitious fundraising target of £80,000.
Steve Rowbotham, chairperson of RBLI, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “The Great Tommy Sleep Out is an opportunity to send a powerful message of solidarity to those who have served our nation. We hope to raise awareness of the pressing issue of veteran homelessness and contribute to meaningful support.”
RBLI provides a comprehensive range of services, including housing, welfare, and employment assistance, to help Armed Forces veterans transition to stable and fulfilling lives.
Related Topics:
Business Groups Criticize Federal Budget 2025, Question Government’s Economic Strategy
Yale to Host Global Conference on Responsible AI in Business
