Raising awareness and funds at Byte Night

Annual charity sleep-out for the IT industry offers chance to help disadvantaged youth across Britain

Widget non-executive chairman Mark Needham joined 850 people from the IT and business worlds sleeping outdoors for one night recently to raise funds that will be used to prevent youth homelessness.

The annual event, dubbed Byte Night, is in aid of the charity Action for Children. Sleep-outs took place in London, Cambridge, Reading and Edinburgh.

Needham said he has taken part in Byte Night for the past six years. The cause is extremely worthy, he adds.

"I have been sleeping rough each year to support and raise awareness for Action for Children," Needham said. "This year six out of a total of 15 employees at Widget got out their sleeping bags to join in. Last year we helped raise more than £550,000 and Widget was commended for its long-term contribution."

To sponsor the reseller's team, visit Just Giving or contact Widget.

"Sleeping rough is a low-cost event to arrange, so 95p in every pound we raise goes to Action for Children.

"Action for Children supports more than 156,000 children, young people and their families at around 420 projects nationwide," Needham said.

The event is now in its 14th year, during which time it has raised about £3m. According to the organiser, Ken Deeks, Byte Night provides a platform for change.

"I am confident that with the support of the sleepers, we will be able to make a significant difference to the lives of many disadvantaged young people in the UK," he said.