The need for safe housing in our community has never been greater.
YMCA Burton has announced that tickets are now on sale for their 18th annual Sleepout fundraising event!
The event will take place on Friday 6 November and is being held in the usual venues of Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium and the XTREME event at St Modwen’s church graveyard. It is a chance to spend the night sleeping outdoors to raise awareness and fundraise for YMCA Burton, who operate homeless outreach facilities, supported housing, foodbank, affordable furniture and white goods through their shops, plus mediation and counselling services in the East Staffordshire and district area.
For those who are unable to attend these locations, they can do the Sleepout at a venue of their choice, including their own sofa, garage or even their garden at home. It is an event suitable for all to take part in, with participants ranging in age from two to 93!
Since starting in 2008, YMCA Burton’s Sleepout has raised over £525,000 to help those in our community who need it. This year, organisers are aiming to raise £60,000 to help support local people experiencing homelessness, hardship and crisis across the community.
Each year, more than 25,000 nights of safe accommodation are provided by the charity, with 100 per cent occupancy for the past two years. Forty-six people are waiting for accommodation right now – the need for safe housing in our community has never been greater.
Fundraising and Partnerships Manager Paula Senior said: “we know that times are difficult for many at the moment and our services are feeling the impact of the cost of living changes as more and more people are accessing our services, but we appreciate anyone who can support us, fundraise, sponsor and take part this year”.
It is a great opportunity to come together on this important night, raising awareness and highlighting homelessness, but it is also a great atmosphere with everyone there happy to take part for such a significant cause.
The following morning and in the days after Sleepout, many people share how they feel so humbled by sleeping outside, without the usual home comforts but in safe surroundings. It is for one night only and we have the luxury of our homes to go back to in the morning.
We encourage everyone to consider giving up their bed for the night. People join on their own, with family, friends or colleagues. We hope to make it a record-breaking year as we embark on the 140th anniversary of our Charity.
Sign up today by visiting here: https://www.burtonymca.org/sleepout/
If you cannot take part but want to show your support, there are several ways to get involved. You can sponsor part of the event, buy goods for the night or you can sponsor a box that someone will sleep in for £200, which will include lots of social media coverage for your business and your company name on a box at Sleepout on the evening.