Civica people pledge to boycott their beds

We’re supporting Action for Children’s alternative and inclusive sleepout this year

Civica has long supported the charity Action for Children. Each year, employees at Civica join its annual sleepout, Byte Night, which sees people across the UK spend the night outdoors. Since 2013, Civica has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Action for Children.

Over the pandemic, many of us have taken our home comforts for granted. So, to allow the ethos of the sleepout to continue in a socially distanced way, Action for Children is asking people to boycott their beds instead. On Friday 21 August, people and families will be spending the night in an unusual place in their homes but without the luxury of pillows or blankets.

On the night, sleepers and their families will get to join a scavenger hunt, listen to Pixie Lott give an exclusive performance, and join comedian Ed Byrne for a trivia game – all from their homes! 

Action for Children ambassador, actress Jessica Hynes said:

“We need people to ditch their duvet, put away their pillows and bunk down somewhere really random in their homes or gardens on August 21st. 

"During this pandemic their key workers have been going above and beyond to support families – whether it’s by delivering essentials to their doors, giving parenting advice online, or caring for children who can’t be in their own homes."

Matt Goodstadt, Sales Director at Civica, has been Co-Chair at Byte Night, South West for four years. He explains how he first got involved:

“On my usual commute into Bristol from the train station, I was acutely aware of how many young homeless people there were just on that one route. I wanted to do more than raise awareness and funds by sleeping out at Byte Night, so I joined the Board to support Action for Children even further.

“This year, charities face a huge challenge to their fundraising ability, especially when their services are now more needed than ever. With people furloughed or losing their jobs, the economic impact of the pandemic has a knock-on effect on poverty and is devastating to children. 

“Action for Children does more than support young homeless people. They provide vital services to 387,000 young people and families to prevent these situations from occurring, such as protecting children from neglect and abuse and providing parenting advice locally and online. 

“I’m looking forward to boycotting my bed to help this essential support continue!”

Civica has virtual fundraisers planned up until the end of the year. To sponsor its employees, you can head to the donation page here.

And keep an eye out for updates from this year’s #BoycottYourBed!