A record-breaking £48,500 has been raised at Stadium MK after 55 business and community leaders took part in this year’s sleepout on 13 November. The fundraising effort formed part of CEO Sleepout Milton Keynes, delivered in partnership with MK Dons Community Trust, and pushed well beyond the original £30,000 target.
Participants spent the night outdoors to highlight the realities facing people who have no safe place to sleep. The event drew strong support across Milton Keynes and reinforced the growing commitment among local leaders to take meaningful action on homelessness.
The money raised will be shared between five organisations: The Shelter MK, YMCA Milton Keynes, Unity MK, MK Dons Community Trust and CEO Sleepout UK. Together, these charities provide emergency accommodation, food, warm clothing, counselling and long-term support. As a result, the boost will go straight into frontline services across MiltonKeynes over the coming weeks.
Bianca Robinson, chief executive of CEO Sleepout UK, said the night demonstrated how powerful collective action can be. “The goal isn’t just money. Together we step up as leaders in business, sleep out in solidarity with those without the luxuries we take for granted, and change lives as a result,” said Bianca Robinson. “Although what we do can never come close to the experience of someone forced to sleep rough night after night, our one night unlocks empathy, understanding and as leaders, a pledge to act. We’re immensely grateful to everyone who took part, donated, or supported behind the scenes. Whether you gave money, time, a sleeping bag or simply spread the word. You helped make this possible.”
Ambassador Amanda Wright also took part and said the experience made the issue more immediate. “One night outside will never reflect the brutal reality of being homeless, but taking part certainly brings the challenges of those doing so into sharper focus,” said Amanda Wright. “It’s humbling, makes you stop and think, and is a reminder of how many comforts we can rely on every day. Taking part might be a small act, but it’s one that helps shine a light on an issue that deserves far more attention.”
The atmosphere at StadiumMK strengthened the impact of this year’s sleepout, helping unite participants behind a shared purpose. Through expanded fundraising and strong community engagement, CEO Sleepout Milton Keynes continues to grow as a vital force for social good across the region.
Over the coming weeks, grants will be distributed to partner charities to fund temporary housing, hot meals, clothing, outreach work and support pathways that help people move towards stability. Consequently, this year’s event has reinforced how collaboration across Milton Keynes can drive real progress for those who need it most.
