Planning a Sleep-Out Event for Charity – The Packaging Doctor
Recently, I received a fascinating query from Marie, who works at a big company in London. Her team is planning a unique fundraising event during the holiday season, aiming to support a homeless charity. She explained that they wanted to experience what it’s like to sleep rough on the streets of London for a day, in order to raise awareness and funds. Marie reached out to me because she was looking for practical advice on what kind of bedding or protective material they could use to make their experience more authentic while staying comfortable enough to focus on the cause.
As someone who’s always eager to help solve real-world packaging challenges, I was happy to weigh in. Here’s what I suggested:
The Surgery Is Now Open
Dear The Packaging Doctor,
I work at a large company in London and have been tasked with organizing the Christmas fundraising event. We've decided to raise money for a homeless charity, as I often think about them during the holidays and how difficult it must be for them. To truly understand their plight, we're going to simulate a night sleeping rough on the streets of London. Our goal is to create an authentic experience while ensuring everyone stays safe and comfortable. That’s why I’m reaching out to you—what kind of materials would you recommend we use to sleep on? Ideally, we’re looking for something simple yet effective that will cushion the pavement and provide some insulation without being too complicated to set up or clean afterward.
Thank you so much for your help! Best regards, Marie
Hi Marie,
Thanks for getting in touch—I love hearing about events like this one, where companies take the initiative to give back in such meaningful ways. I completely agree that simulating a rough night outdoors can really drive home the struggles faced by those experiencing homelessness, especially during the harsh winter months.
For your event, I’d highly recommend using double-walled corrugated cardboard sheets. These come in standard sizes like 845 x 1810 mm, which should fit perfectly for your group. The double-wall construction provides excellent insulation and padding, making the pavement feel significantly softer and warmer than if you were lying directly on it. Plus, these sheets are durable, reusable, and easy to transport—perfect for setting up quickly and recycling afterward.
Another great option to consider is bubble wrap, specifically the co-extruded variety with a nylon layer. This type of bubble wrap has excellent thermal retention properties, meaning it helps retain body heat while keeping moisture at bay. It’s also waterproof, so even if it rains overnight (which isn’t uncommon in London!), you’ll stay relatively dry. Just make sure to secure the edges properly to avoid any slipping hazards.
One final tip: consider layering both options together for maximum comfort and protection. The combination of corrugated cardboard and bubble wrap creates a cozy barrier between you and the ground, enhancing both insulation and comfort levels. And remember, authenticity doesn’t mean sacrificing safety—your team should still prioritize personal well-being throughout the event.
Wishing you all the best of luck with your fundraiser! It sounds like an incredibly impactful initiative, and I’m sure it will resonate deeply with participants and spectators alike.
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