Colleagues at Yorkshire-based Zenith Vehicles have embarked on a sleep out to raise money for an LGBTQIA+ youth homeless charity.
The 20-person strong team, which included members of Zenith’s LGBTQIA+ focus group, slept outside the company’s Kirkstall Forge office, raising more than £1,700 for the Albert Kennedy Trust (akt) – a charity which supports LGBTQ+ young people across the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness – far exceeding the original target of £500.
Akt supports LGBTQ+ young people in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment. It provides those young people with safe homes and employment, education or training in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates LGBTQ+ identities.
The sleepout was the culmination of Pride-related activities Zenith and its LGBTQIA+ focus group conducted throughout June, as the company aimed to celebrate pride month while educating colleagues of its importance. Other activities include workshops, talks and panels hosted by an akt representative and a Pride brunch held at the company’s headquarters.
Callum Horn, chair of Zenith’s LGBTQIA+ focus group, said: “This Pride month, as well as offering fun educational sessions for our colleagues to teach them about all things Pride, we felt it was important to give something back to LGBTQIA+ people who are in need.
“akt is a charity close to the focus group’s heart. It wasn’t an easy challenge, but it’s in no way comparable to the distress felt by those experiencing homelessness. I’m proud of how the company has come together to show some form of solidarity with youths across the country, and we know the money raised will go a long way to supporting those who need it the most.”
Zenith is the UK’s independent leasing, vehicle outsourcing and fleet management provider. Based in Leeds, its 1,350 employees manage more than 165,000 vehicles, with its operations spanning the breadth of the automotive market.
You can still donate to the efforts by visiting Zenith’s donation page here.
