YORhub contractor Octavius’ Senior Project Manager, Mike Benn, joined the Big Sleepout in February to raise much needed funds for the Happy Days homeless charity, which is doing some amazing work with vulnerable homeless people in the Halifax Area.

Mike undertook this as part of Octavius’ social value commitments on the North Halifax Improved Streets for People Project and on Friday 20^th February joined more than 45 other people sleeping out at Dean Clough mills in Halifax.

Mike said, ‘I have to admit I didn’t get much sleep on the night, it is strange being outside – you hear everything – even with foam earplugs in.  We also had a Police helicopter hovering for 15 minutes at around 5.10am but I did manage to get a few hours when I got home in the morning to my own bed.’

He continued, ‘It’s a great event supporting a fantastic cause and I did exceed my target of £300 on my JustGiving page which currently stands at £370, with all donations going directly to Happy Days Halifax homeless charity.’

Michael Benn’s fundraising page for Happy Days UK

Happy Days Corporate Relationship Manager, Sharon Robins, commented, ‘It certainly wasn’t a warm night. Thankfully, the rain stayed away but the cold was very real. Willingness to experience that, even for one night, shows genuine compassion and commitment to supporting people in our community who face this reality far more often. You should feel incredibly proud of the difference you’ve made.  We are currently boarding £10K, which is wonderful.’

The funds raised will go directly towards providing warmth, support and stability for people facing homelessness, food poverty and crisis across Calderdale.

Further information on the Happy Days Big Sleepout