Byte Night in London

06
Oct
2014

Joanna Goodman

Joanna Goodman joined the DocsCorp team for London’s Byte Night – the IT industry’s annual charity sleep-out – to raise money for Action for Children. The team, which comprised Ben, Greg, Rob and Mel from DocsCorp as well as Samia, Miranda and me – participated in Byte Night, the IT industry’s annual charity sleep-out, which raises awareness – and money – to combat youth homelessness. How did I get involved? I met Ben Mitchell, EMEA VP Sales for DocsCorp, through IT director friends.

He was looking for sponsorship and volunteers for Byte Night in London. It was great to support this fantastic cause that helps deprived young people realise their potential of a brighter future.

Photo by Greg Hartley (click to zoom)

When I met up with Ben and the team at DocsCorp offices, they were already in their ‘Koalas in Pyjamas’ onesies, an inspired choice by Mel which turned out to be a great idea. They looked very cute and got a lot of attention from everyone covering the event, not to mention Friday night commuters and passers-by as we ran through London Bridge station on the way to the event!

Anyone living or working in London is aware of the number of rough sleepers on our streets, and it is sad to see so many young people among them. Action for Children works to prevent youth homelessness throughout the UK as well as supporting young carers and other children growing up in deprived and difficult circumstances. The event website shows participating teams from numerous law firms and legal IT vendors.

The Byte Night London event was sponsored by Norton Rose Fulbright, who organised a fantastic reception at their More London offices for the IT ‘rough sleepers’ with speeches, presentations, interviews – including a particularly moving Q&A session with medical student OJ, who Action for Children supported through difficult times, caring for his chronically ill mother and younger siblings. There was also a quiz and a charity auction as well as a complimentary bar and dinner. 

We were given Action for Children hoodies and nightcaps (hats not drinks!) before heading out to Potters Field Park near Tower Bridge where we picked up plastic sleeping bag covers, ground sheets and umbrellas. We supplemented our online sponsorship by collecting cash from passers-by who wandered over to find out what was going on only to discover that this was not an art installation or a mini-Glastonbury, but was instead a charity event populated by IT people in animal onesies – the koalas were definitely the cutest, although of course I am biased – or in Action for Children distinctive red sweatshirts. 

We were fortunate that it was a warm, dry night in London, and as we settled down in our sleeping bags, we agreed that we were not really experiencing sleeping rough – we had enjoyed wine and hot food, great entertainment, company and conversation – we were wrapped up in clean, warm clothes and sleeping bags and we had an amazing view of Tower Bridge. I actually got some sleep, slightly disturbed by the bright lights and the novelty of being outside surrounded by people. But when we woke up at 6am to find our plastic sleeping bag covers and umbrellas soaked with dew, it was not so comfortable, so we decided to pack up and go home, although some people stayed on for bacon sandwiches. 

I walked back to London Bridge station with Samia and Miranda, and we thought of popping into a nearby hotel to freshen up and pick up a coffee for the journey, but we realised that with rucksacks on our backs and sleeping bags slung over our shoulders they might not let us in, so we went straight back to the station. This made us think again about the homeless young people who wake up every morning in the cold damp City and stay on the streets all day. We felt fortunate to be going back to our homes and families. 

Thank you Ben and Mel – it was great to be in the DocsCorp team and get to know you all. Thanks also to Norton Rose Fulbright, for being fantastic Byte Night London hosts, and a particular mention for Mike Rebeiro, Global Head of Technology and Innovation, who made a moving and inspiring speech. Special thanks to my family, friends and contacts for support and sponsorship. 

So far, Byte Night has raised some £722,000. The DocsCorp team has almost reached its £5,000 target. There is still time to make a donation, so here is the link:  https://www.justgiving.com/teams/DocsCorp-EMEA