STAFF from three Specsavers manufacturing and distribution sites based in Kidderminster, raised more than £3,000 for charity in a sleepout challenge.
The teams from Vision Labs, Lens Online and International Glazing Services (IGS) joined forces to participate in the 35th St Basils Big Sleepout.
A total of 26 staff members from across the three sites slept out on the streets of Birmingham last Friday night, raising £3,183 for homeless charity St Basils.
Dean Bonner, an IGS employee, who encouraged the teams to get involved, said: “I’ve taken part before, but I’m so pleased my colleagues could join in this year and help fundraise for a wonderful charity.
Steve Barnes, IGS’ head of operations, said: “Although spending a night outside cannot reflect the true realities of homelessness, for all of us, the Big Sleepout was a sobering experience that truly put into perspective the daily struggles of so many young people and I’m incredibly proud of our teams for their dedication to this challenge.
“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who pledged their support and helped us to raise vital funds that will directly support young people affected by homelessness in the West Midlands.”
St Basils works with young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping almost 4,000 young people every year across the West Midlands region with specific services in Birmingham, Coventry, Evesham, Leamington Spa, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the Wyre Forest.
Visit stbasils.org.uk for more information.
Between them, the three businesses – Vision Labs, Lens Online and International Glazing Services (IGS) – provide lens surfacing as well as stocking and distributing lenses and contact lenses to Specsavers UK optical businesses.
