Estate agents sleep rough to raise money for homeless charity
David Murray. Picture: Hannah Couzens - Credit: Archant
Estate agents are sleeping rough in St Albans for a night to raise money for homeless people.
Daniel Kirk. Picture: Hannah Couzens - Credit: Archant
Directors of Frost’s, David Murray and Daniel Kirk, will sleep overnight on the step of their Chequer Street office in aid of Open Door, a night shelter and daytime drop-in for vulnerable people on Bricket Road.
They hope to raise £1,000 or more for the charity, and have currently collected just over £200.
The night will start at 7.30pm on September 12 and end at 7.30am on September 13 - the weather is currently forecast to be 17C at 10pm.
Daniel said: “Up to 30 homeless people can be camping out in St Albans at night.
“In such an affluent area that may be a surprise to some. At Frost’s we want to highlight the issue and try and raise some money for our fantastic local charity Open Door.
“We see this as a long term commitment and are hoping to visit Open Door soon and find other ways to help.”
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Daniel said the sleeping arrangements will be “cosy”, and he is hoping there is no rain.
“I am really excited and a bit anxious because I have never done this before but from our point of view, we saw an opportunity to give back to the community and this is a great charity.
“I have noticed in the last year or so that there are so many more people out on the streets of St Albans - I don’t know if it has got worse or if I am noticing it more, but the problem seems to be growing.”
Sponsors wished the directors good luck on the fundraising page. Adrian Dyer said: “Great cause so well done, should rain hard that night looking at the weather forecast!”
Paul Bartlett added: “Hope you manage to reach your target Dan. If it starts to rain remember that skin is waterproof. Good luck.”
Frost’s will also have a charity cake stall at St Albans Market on September 12 to bolster profits for Open Door.
The St Albans estate agent first set up shop in 1992 by David and Mary Frost.
To donate, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/frostsdirectorssleeproughTo find out more about Open Door, visit www.hightownha.org.uk/care-and-support/scheme-search/open-door-homelessness-service/
