This week Gemma Hambley, Human Resources Manager at Bloomsbury Street and Kenilworth hotels tells us about the team’s night on the streets for Centre Point.
“At 6pm on 8th November 2012, our team assembled at the Bloomsbury Street and Kenilworth Hotels, with our sleeping bags stuffed and our thermals on we went on our way to join Centre Point’s Sleepout at Exchange Square.
We were amazed to find our team of 13 sleepers were joined by another 850 who were all prepared and keen to spend the night on the streets to help raise more than £250,000 to support homeless people aged 16-25 with accommodation, learning and health.
Having raised over £1200 sponsorship, thanks to our guests, friends and colleagues, the team were ready to stay the whole night with very little to shelter them from the elements or realities of living on the streets.
After meeting Richard and Chloe Madeley, and helping erect the Event Photo Tent, we spent our evening enjoying Comedian Tim Vine and singer Eliza Doolittle who entertained the crowd. With no other distractions like TVs or radios, we could talk about our experience and the younger members could relate to those who spend their time on the streets daily and recognise the value that Centre Point holds in their lives.
At around 4am, it got a bit too chilly so we decided to bed down and get some much needed shut eye. After all, we had a days work ahead of us!
We are pleased to have had the opportunity to share in this experience, and know that through doing so, we have bonded as a team, learnt new things about each other and gained an insight into the life of homeless people, who have and still do, spend the night on the streets of London. Knowing that we can make a difference, is our motivation to build our relationship with Centre Point further and we look forward to working with them for years to come. The team are already signed up for next years event, aiming to double the size of the team, and double the money raised!
So until next year’s Sleep Out, keep warm, and be safe.”
Thank you Gemma! Find out more about responsible business at Radisson Blu Edwardian
