Wilkinson Grant continues to support to Exeter’s homeless

Leading West Country Independent Estate Agency, Wilkinson Grant & Co, will be supporting YMCA Exeter in several large fundraising initiatives throughout 2017.

This will include the annual Sleep Easy event at Exeter Castle on Saturday 4th March, the extension of an existing campaign to make special donations to the charity and through additional funding support of the charities ‘Changing Rooms, Changing Lives’ campaign.

The estate agency, which has offices in Exeter and Topsham, is entering a team into this year’s Sleep Easy, which will see around 300 people spend a night sleeping outdoors.

The challenging city-centre sleep out will be hosted by popular local singer, “Adam in the Hat” and in the company of Bishop Sarah Mullally of Crediton. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of youth homelessness in Exeter and to offer an insight into what life is like for young people who don’t have a permanent roof over their heads.

In the run up to the event, Wilkinson Grant & Co have also extended their Christmas campaign until March 4th, meaning the company will continue to donate to YMCA Exeter every time a property is sold or let. All funds raised will go towards the work that the charity carry out to help young people rebuild their lives, through housing and accommodation, employment advice and support, youth services for teenagers and mentoring for ex-offenders.

Managing Director of Wilkinson Grant & Co, Roger Wilkinson, comments: “As a company we have, for many of years, supported initiatives to raise awareness and help homeless people in Exeter. It’s a growing problem but the YMCA Exeter are doing a fantastic job to help young people rebuild their lives.”

“The Sleep Easy is an excellent way for those of us who are more privileged to get some flavour of what it is like to not have a roof over your head for just one night. I’m both humbled and inspired by colleagues who have taken it upon themselves to join in and help.”

Further to this Wilkinson Grant are also supporting the YMCA Exeter with their ‘Changing Rooms, Changing Lives’ campaign. This will see the renovation of the currently unhomely communal living space at its St David’s Hill accommodation centre, currently used by over 50 young people each year. The campaign is also supported by Attention Media, Burrington Estates, Kirkham Board, Expedite and Naomi Cleaver but to ensure the project is the success it deserves to be, the organisation is looking for more businesses to get behind it.

Roger Wilkinson adds: “As for the ‘Changing Rooms, Changing Lives’ campaign, we are delighted to be involved with this and we’re looking forward to seeing the difference it will make to so many young people’s lives. If you’re thinking about making a pledge, then we urge you to get involved and help make this the success it deserves to be.”

Work begins at the St David’s Hill accommodation centre on 3 April but there are still funds to be raised.

To pledge a cash donation, to donate a product or service, or to connect us with a contact of yours who may be able to help, please email bethan.spencer@ymcaexeter.org.uk or ring 01392 410530