Leeds consultancy commences homelessness charity drive
A marketing consultancy in Yorkshire has pledged to raise £1000 for a rough-sleeping charity. Richard Michie and Christopher Fox of The Marketing Optimist are set to tackle a marathon walk from Huddersfield to Leeds in aid of the charitable cause.
Founded in Leeds in 2016, The Marketing Optimist applies an agile approach to marketing for clients without marketing departments. The firm also offers marketing training and strong measurement skills in digital marketing to accurately quantify effectiveness.
As the firm looks to benefit its local community, two members of the Yorkshire-based consultancy have pledged to raise £1000 for regional homelessness charity Simon on the Streets. The independent charity, which works with local people who are affected by homelessness and rough-sleeping in Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees, provides street-support to individuals with complex needs and who cannot access mainstream services because of behavioural issues or mental illness.
Taking place on 13th July 2019, the charity has organised the ‘Walk with Simon’ challenge in a bid to subsidise its work. The new endurance challenge will see competitors bid to complete a 24-mile route in just 24 hours, moving through Huddersfield, Bradford and Leeds – the three main areas in which Simon on the Streets operates.
The Marketing Optimist has supported the charity since 2016, and raised £760 for it at the ‘Big Sleepout’ in September 2017. Now, CEO Richard Michie and Marketing Executive Christopher Fox have signed up to take part in the ‘Walk with Simon’ challenge, which will see the pair join with hundreds of others on the trek. According to a release from the firm, the duo have already raised £210 but need a further £790 to reach their target.
Michie said, “With the plight of the homeless so clear to see in Leeds, we wanted to work together to support the amazing work that Simon on the Streets do. We’re aware that we’ve set our sights high, but that’s just our style, and we’re confident that we can achieve this, with the help of clients, friends and the charitable citizens of Leeds.”
Fox added, “Each day on my way to work I encounter those sleeping on the streets and it’s difficult to sit back and not do anything. I’m not an experienced walker and it will be hard but if it makes a difference to people’s lives then I am more than willing to give it a go.”
To donate to the fundraising drive, visit The Marketing Optimist’s JustGiving page.
