Wholesale team takes part in Big Sleep Out
Wholesaler’s team sleeps rough, braving the cold and raises more than £3,500 to help tackle homelessness head-on
Last Friday night, team members from Pilgrim Foodservice braved the cold and proudly participated in the Peterborough’s Big Sleep Out event, organised by the Light Project Peterborough in collaboration with the Posh Foundation.
This charity initiative took place on Friday March 8 2024, at Peterborough United’s stadium with the aim to raise awareness about homelessness, gain an insight into what homeless people experience every night, as well as raising vital funds to help support those who are in desperate need within the city – and what a difference the Pilgrim Foodservice’s team has made!
The six strong team made up of Jim Shinn, Liz Reid, Luke Cooper, Rachel Atkin, Sharon Horry, and Tina Creak had already raised more than £3,200 ahead of the event, with contributions still being received through their JustGiving page. Liz Reid, whose commitment to fundraising shines through her position on the company’s Charity Committee, remarked, ” We all jumped at the chance to take part in the Big Sleep Out. By taking part, we hope we did our part in increasing awareness of homelessness as well as raising vital funds to help those who are in need within Peterborough.”
Rachel Atkin, Head of People at Pilgrim Foodservice echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the challenging experience with a profound sense of empathy. “Spending the night out in the cold was eye-opening. It is humbling to realise that for many, this is not just a one-night ordeal—it really drives home that many are faced with similar conditions night after night with no warm bed to go home to the next day.”
Charles Bateman, Managing Director of Pilgrim Foodservice, could not be prouder of the team’s efforts. “I just want to say huge well done to the team. We are all incredibly proud of Jim, Tina, Luke, Rachel, and Sharon for taking on this challenge and for raising vital funds for two very worthwhile charities. Raising over £3,000 in just a week is an incredible achievement and a testament to the dedication and generosity of our team members, their families as well as our customers and supply chain.
Charles continued, “I would specifically like to express my thanks to the team at Thrive, for their generous donation of £1,000.”
Sean Reddington, CEO at Thrive commented: “We’re delighted to have been able to support such a worthwhile cause. The team at Pilgrim Foodservice deserve a huge round of applause for raising awareness of rough sleeping and raising much needed funds too.”
Founded in 1979 by Peter Bateman and now led by his son Charles, Pilgrim Foodservice has become a cornerstone of the community. The second-generation family business which has grown to employ a team of over 330 at its site in Boston, Lincolnshire, specialises in providing a diverse range of premium products to independent restaurants, hotels, and cafés across East Anglia, the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire, and the Humber, as well as London.
To donate to the team’s JustGiving page, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/pilgrim-foodservice-big-sleep-out. The page will be accessible until 31 March 2024.
Big Sleep Out Charles Bateman Pilgrim Foodservice
