IT Industry’s Byte Night Raises £650,000 For Children

Byte Night, when the IT industry sleeps rough to raise money for children, has beaten records from previous years.

Eight hundred people slept outdoors in four locations – Cambridge, Reading, London and Edinburgh – on 7 October, raising sponsorship money that goes to Action For Children, a charity working with homeless young people. The immediate total raised is £650,000 – £200,000 more than at the same time last year – but more will come in through sponsorship pages like that of eWEEK Europe editor Peter Judge.

Cold but cheerful

eWEEK Europe joined the London event by Tower Bridge, after the party, as sleepers settled in the open air. The party – this year at law firm Norton Rose – always adds to the fundraising total, as sleepers take part in charity auctions and quizzes.

Outside, it’s either about having a good night with friends, or attempting to sleep amongst the people who are having a good night with their friends. After a quick hello to people I knew, I was definitely in the latter group, and the night was fine and not too cold.

Action For Children has been the recipient of Byte Night money for some years, and sleepers heard from people who have benefited from the group’s work on the root causes of youth homelessness. It’s helped keep people like Janet of the streets, and provide them with secure accommodation, education and training opportunities – some which are on this map.

If you wish to give money directly to Action for Children  – you still can. And of course, you are welcome to join Byte Night as a sleeper next year!