CRJ Services Sleep Out 2024

CRJ Services Sleep Out 2024

On Friday 6th December 2024, four members of the CRJ Services team swapped their beds for cardboard and sleeping bags as they took part in the RESTART Lives “Sleep on the Streets” challenge — raising vital funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness.

Braving cold December temperatures, the team joined local businesses and community members for a powerful overnight experience designed to highlight the realities faced by those without a safe place to call home.

Why We Took Part

Homelessness can happen to anyone. For too many people across the UK, sleeping rough is not a one-off challenge — it’s a daily reality.

The RESTART Lives Sleep on the Streets event exists to raise awareness and generate funding for essential support services, helping individuals access housing pathways, practical assistance and long-term stability.

At CRJ, we believe being part of the community means stepping up when it matters. Taking part in the Sleep Out wasn’t just about fundraising — it was about understanding, empathy and showing solidarity.

The CRJ Team Who Took On the Challenge

Representing CRJ on the night were:

• Ben McQuaid – Director
• Gary Molloy – Parts Sales Advisor
• Deon Swanepoel – Head of Engineering
• Stian Mostert – Heavy Plant Mechanic

From leadership to workshop floor, this was a true cross-section of the CRJ team coming together for a shared cause.

What the Night Involved

The evening began with insight from RESTART Lives into the realities of homelessness and the challenges many individuals face when trying to rebuild their lives.

As temperatures dropped, the experience became a small but powerful reminder of how difficult sleeping outdoors can be — limited comfort, disrupted rest and exposure to the elements.

While one night cannot replicate the true hardship of homelessness, it offered perspective and reinforced why support services like RESTART Lives are so important.

Supporting RESTART Lives

Funds raised from the event go directly toward helping people at risk of homelessness access:

• Emergency accommodation and immediate support
• Practical advice and pathways into housing
• Ongoing guidance to rebuild stability and independence

Thanks to the generosity of CRJ staff, customers, suppliers, friends and family, the team raised an incredible amount in support of the charity. Every donation helped strengthen the impact of the night.

More Than Just One Night

The Sleep Out was challenging — but it was also inspiring. It demonstrated the power of community and the difference businesses can make when they choose to get involved.

We’re incredibly proud of Ben, Gary, Deon and Stian for stepping up and representing CRJ in such a meaningful way.

At CRJ Services, supporting our industry is important — but supporting our wider community matters just as much.