Luxury hotel staff rough it in aid of a good cause
Staff from one of Bath’s most exclusive hotels will be sleeping rough in March in aid of homeless people, refugees and people escaping abusive relationships.
Employees at Bath’s prestigious Royal Crescent Hotel have banded together to forgo luxury for one night to raise money for Julian House.
Marketing manager Mary Stringer said: “Every member of our team has heard of Julian House and knows about the incredible work they do. By taking on the Sleep-out, we can get behind the cause as a team and hopefully help to make a difference here in Bath.
“We are lucky to have a real community feel here at the hotel and it is always nice to see colleagues outside of work, especially when we are involved in a common cause – it is great for team spirit.”
“Most of the people attending from the hotel haven’t done this event before, so we are all looking forward to challenging ourselves together as a team,” she said.
The 18-strong group of colleagues are taking on Julian House’s Big Bath Sleep-out on Friday, March 4 in order to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the charity.
Event organiser Jessica Gay said: “The Royal Crescent Hotel have been long-term supporters of Julian House. Whether that be through attending our events, donating amazing raffle prizes as well as other internal fundraising initiatives.”
“Their support has been fantastic. I’m delighted that so many colleagues will be taking on the challenge this year, going above and beyond to support our services and the people who desperately need our help.”
The group which includes general manager, Lorraine Jarvie, marketing manager, Mary Stringer, head pastry chef, Mikey Topp and deputy housekeeper, Dot Piatkowska, will join the charity and sleep out for one night in Alice Park with just sleeping bags and cardboard to keep them warm and dry.
Last year Julian House provided life-changing support to over 1,500 vulnerable individuals who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across Bath, Bristol, and the South West. It’s a grim realisation, that without the support of a charity like Julian House, the life expectancy of a long-term homeless person is just 44 years!
This year’s event is sponsored by Bath-based financial advisors, Unividual.
Marketing director Cherie-anne Baxter said: “Anyone living in Bath knows the importance of helping the local charities that support men, women and children without homes. When we sit down every day to help clients manage their money, few people realise many of us are just one pay-cheque away from living on the streets.”
“It only takes one failed relationship, the death of a loved one or a closed business. The best thing anyone can do when seeing someone sleeping on the streets is to think how can I help get them back on their feet instead of stereotyping people. The charity is encouraging other businesses, colleagues, families, and friends to sign up and help make a difference.”
For more details, visit at www.bigbathsleepout.co.uk