Burton’s Sleepout Raises £3,000 for the YMCA


On a blustery night in November, staff at Unipart Logistics’ Waterstones warehouse in Burton took part in their very first “Sleepout”, raising money for the work of Burton YMCA.

Not only did they recruit 10 volunteers from their work force, but also encouraged a supplier to bring along a team too.

The 2011 Sleepout was remarkable in that it raised over three times as much as in the previous year, in part boosted by the number of corporate teams that were taking part.

The Unipart/Waterstones team stood out, not only as the largest team but they also turned up with the largest homemade box: a huge creation with images of creature comforts, such as a roaring log fire and a flat screen TV.

In less than three weeks they raised over £3,000 through seeking sponsorship from friends, family work colleagues and suppliers.

There was a real team spirit on the night, and Elisha Kelly, General Manager at the distribution hub, said: “We are very pleased to be able to help Burton YMCA. There was a great sense of camaraderie at the Sleep Out and people readily came forward to help us raise funds.”

Burton YMCA responded “We were overwhelmed by their enthusiasm but more importantly the difference that their team effort in fundraising would make to local people.”