Sleep out
01 September 2010
On 21 May, Aviva staff across the UK helped raise a bumper £100,000 for charity after taking part in a sponsored sleep out.
The Sleep Out was part of Aviva's Street to School global programme which is designed to help vulnerable children get off the streets and back into education.
Hundreds of Aviva employees slept rough on the streets of 10 cities to highlight the issue of street children and raise valuable funds.
Mark Hodges, chief executive, Aviva UK, said:
"We are incredibly proud of our staff - what a fantastic team effort. Since we announced our Street to School programme we've had a hugely positive response but it's fair to say that the fundraising has exceeded our expectations."
"Our commitment is not just financial though, it's about raising awareness of the issue and highlighting the fact that there are thousands of children sleeping on UK streets. We have much more activity lined up for later in the year so watch this space."
Terina Keene, Railway Children's chief executive added:
"It was just fantastic to see so many Aviva staff all over the country giving up their time to raise awareness and funds for children living on the streets in the UK."
"To have raised £100,000 is just an amazing achievement and this money represents a great start for the Street to School programme. The funds from the sleep-out will support projects working with children on the streets, in refuge, in their homes and in schools."
The money will provide Railway Children with much-needed funds to recruit street workers, support staff or regional refuge projects.
Aviva has a long track record of community investment and last year invested £3.8m in the UK, which includes delivering over 53,000 volunteering hours by Aviva staff.
