A team of five Rich’s UK associates gave up their warm beds and modern conveniences to experience the Big Sleep Out—a night on the streets to help raise awareness and vital funds to combat homelessness in the UK. Armed with sleeping bags and cardboard, participants prepared to spend the night outside, on the grounds of a cathedral. While the sleep out only lasted one night, and camaraderie and conversation made the cold manageable, the experience left an enduring impression. 

“I could not have imagined sleeping outside for a second night,” emphasized Gemma Greene, Executive Assistant, Human Resources, Rich UK. “We were protected by the cathedral grounds and comforted by friends and colleagues. It really forced us to think about people that spend night after night out in the cold, often alone, and without heat or shelter.”

Fellow participant, Jo Wileman, Operations Equipment Owner, also confessed that their sleep out was very different from the harsh realities of life on the streets. 

“We had warm sleeping bags, cardboard sheets to lie on, hot drinks and snacks throughout the night, and some shelter from the cathedral where the event was hosted,” remarked Jo. “These small comforts highlighted just how many luxuries we had that are not available to those sleeping rough.” 

The Rich’s participants were struck by the vulnerability of people who don’t know where they will sleep, or when and where their next meal will come from. Those in attendance at the sleepout knew that breakfast would be served in the morning, and a warm bed awaited them at home. 

“It was a really humbling experience,” recalled Gemma. “Listening to the stories of people who have experienced homelessness really emphasized why this cause is so important and needs more attention in our community. We got to learn where the money we raised will go and hear stories of progress being made.”

In addition to regular product donations to FareShare of London amounting to hundreds of thousands of cases, Rich’s sleepout team raised another 800£ from friends and family for the cause.

“What made the sleepout even more impactful was the cross-functional team of associates that participated together,” said Gemma. “It was meaningful to meet and interact with people I don’t work with regularly. That collective approach to doing good is inspiring.” 

Jo said taking part in the Big Sleep Out was a genuine wake-up call, “It opened my eyes further to the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, and it reminded me of the importance of continuing to support those in need. Even sharing my experience with friends, family, and on social media has helped spark important conversations about the issue.”

One conversation that sits heavily with Jo is the sobering reality of the dangerous connection between homelessness and alcohol abuse. During the event, participants learned that many homeless people drink to feel warm. But alcohol lowers the body’s core temperature which increases the risk of hypothermia—a common cause of death among those that sleep on the streets. 

After the first sleepout, Gemma, who admitted she wasn’t nearly as prepared for the experience as she thought she was, initiated plans to attend another sleep out event and increase associate participation. While she was very glad to see morning after her first night on the streets, she was eager to find an even more realistic sleepout experience for future events.

The team is scheduled to endure a night out during the freezing cold months of November 2025, when 15 associates will sleep outside at Stonehenge to raise funds for homeless veterans.