SLEEP OUT 2011 - Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Thanks to everyone who joined us for 2011's Sleep out in London and the North East. We're on target to reach our £250,000. Donations can still be made until the end of January 2012.
Read on for more information on what Sleep Out's all about!
Registration is closed - we are not taking names for our 2012 event yet. Thanks
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When is Sleep Out 2011?
Thursday 10 November 2011 from 7pm to 7am
Is this your first time fundraising? Follow these handy tips:
The best way to fundraise is to use a combination of techniques including personal requests, organising events, auctioning items on eBay, lobbying for a corporate matching, etc.
First Steps
* Plan how you are going to hit your £350/£250 target. Break it up into manageable chunks and work out how you are going to ask people to help.
* Set up your online fundraising page on JustGiving. It’s free to set up and enables your friends, family and contacts to make donations online.
* Email groups of your friends and contacts asking them for set amounts of money. Remember, you are doing something good for people that need your help. You should be proud of what you are doing.
* Write letters to clients or suppliers. Don’t discount anyone. While you may not have been in touch for a while, it's never too late to resume a friendship by telling them about your involvement with Centrepoint.
* If you are part of a team, form a 'mini-committee' to reach your goal. Ask them to share their contacts book, send out letters, help plan a party or find raffle prizes.
* Ask everyone. You don’t need to know all of your potential donors. it's okay to accept donations from people you do not know. Just remember to thank them.
* Mention your efforts whenever possible - you never know when someone has £20 burning a hole in their pocket.
* Start early! There's a lot to be said for getting all of your fundraising done early so that you can concentrate on your preparations as the Sleep Out approaches.
Matched Funding
As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility policy, many companies operate a matched giving scheme. This is a scheme where your employer tops up your fundraising achievements sometimes by as much as 100%. Such programmes are usually managed by a dedicated CSR team or someone in Human Resources.
Events
Organising an event such as a raffle, auction or a staff 'dress down' day can present a perfect opportunity for you to raise a significant amount towards your fundraising target. However, there are three things that you should bear in mind when planning a fundraising event:
1) Ideally, the event should only cost one third or less of the money it makes.
2) You need to ensure that you have identified the audience and the most appropriate method of securing them in the time that you have until the event happens.
3) Don’t forget that the fundraising team can supply Centrepoint branded material including leaflets, balloons, Centrepoint T-shirts. Contact Ruth Eldridge for more info.
Where is Sleep Out taking place?
Exchange Square, near Liverpool Street Station, London. Click here for more venue info and a map.
We also have a smaller Sleep Out taking place in Sunderland. Find out more here.
How many people will be sleeping out?
We expect around 650 to be sleeping out at Exchange Square.
Can I just turn up and sleep?
No. This is a fundraising event and we want to raise as much money as possible. Sleepers must be signed up in advance and have a minimum fundraising target of £350 for an individual or £250 for a team Sleeper.
How much money do I need to raise?
The minimum fundraising target to take part is £350 for an individual or £250 if part of a team of four or more Sleepers.
A deposit of 10% (£35 for an individual or £25 for a team Sleeper) must be paid into a JustGiving account to secure your place.
Find out more about JustGiving at http://www.justgiving.com/centrepoint/
If you can't make it on the night, but still want to support Sleep out, you can text a donation using the code CPSO11 (and your £ amount) to 70700. Click here to find out more about text donating for Sleep Out.
What about Gift Aid?
For every £1 donated by a taxpayer, Centrepoint is able to claim back 28p on the rate of basic tax. Wherever possible please encourage your supporters to tick the Gift Aid box on Just Giving.
Please note that Gift Aid does not count towards your fundraising target.
Will I be safe?
The purpose of this event is to raise money and show solidarity for homeless young people. We are not attempting to match the sense of danger, hopelessness and hunger, which afflicts many homeless young people.
We will be providing plenty of boxes for you to sleep on.
You will also be sleeping in a secure area and we will have security guards to protect you and your belongings.
There will be a canopy overhead, so you will be protected from the elements too. Despite this, please be sensible. Try to avoid wearing expensive clothing or bringing delicate technology or unnecessary valuables, and be sure to wrap up warm.
Oh... don't forget your sleeping bag!
Can I volunteer to help on the night?
We recruit volunteers to help manage the night. If you want to volunteer, email events@centrepoint.org
Why should I bother?
You just have to read the stories of John, Grace, Daniel or many of the Centrepoint young people to see how you could make a difference.
Victims of mental and physical abuse, cast out on their own, need the help and support Centrepoint can provide to give them the best chance at an independent life.
These are not grown ups, they're young people aged 16-25. We help them back into education, training or a job, provide health care and teach them life skills.
You can help us help them.
How do I sign up or get more information?
To express an interest in taking part in Sleep Out or to find out more about the event, click here
How can I help promote Sleep out?
It's easy, just follow us on Facebook and Twitter and share our posts with your friends.
What are the Terms & Conditions and the Code of Conduct?
To take part in Sleep Out, you MUST agree to our Terms & Conditions and adhere to our Code of Conduct.
Follow the links for more information:
* Venue , times, fundraising, getting involved.
* Celebrity supporters - Sara Cox, Christopher Biggins, Lisa Maxwell; corporate supporters.
* The night's schedule, entertainment, last year's fun.
* Or the Sleep Out homepage.