Last chance to sign up for remaining spaces at YMCA Burton sleepout
With just days to go, YMCA Burton is appealing for people to sign up to its biggest annual fundraising event as it aims for a sell out event.
Over 120 people have already signed up to the event, which takes place overnight at Burton Albion Football Club and St Modwen’s graveyard on Friday 7 November.
The funds raised this year are particularly critical as the cost of living continues to hit hard, meaning the charity is experiencing increased demand across all of its services as people struggle to cope.
Now in its 17th year, people taking part in the sleepout event will experience a little of what it’s like to be homeless and how vulnerable people live day-to-day, whilst raising money to support the charity’s work in the local community across East Staffordshire.
This year alone, YMCA Burton has provided a safe place to call home for 93 people who would otherwise have been sofa surfing or sleeping rough on the streets.
They support over 12,000 people each year and they offer a breadth of services to support people in crisis or who are struggling with homelessness, food poverty, plus provide family mediation and counselling and affordable furniture through their shops.
The main homeless site in Burton town centre is open 365 days a year.
“We are looking forward to welcoming all our Sleepout participants, whether they are first timers are long-standing supporters and are grateful for all the support local businesses, community groups, and individuals are giving us.
“If you cannot take part but still want to be involved, then you have the option of sponsoring a box!
“For £150, you will get mentions on our social media channels and have a dedicated box which will be used by a participant on the night.”
Local businesses and their teams have signed up, with some taking on the challenge for the first time.
Companies signed up include Alexander Accountancy, Willshee’s Waste and Recycling, Trent and Dove Housing, John Pye Auctions, Malone Group, Junction Micro Pub, Melton Mowbray Round Table, Hilton Hotel and Burton and South Derbyshire College, who are the Headline Sponsor at this year's event.
Alex Clarke, marketing executive for Malone Group, will take part in Sleepout for the second time.
She said: “The YMCA Burton Sleepout is such a unique event, a night that brings people together for an important cause.
“It’s a chance to experience, in a small way, what others go through every night, and to support the YMCA’s incredible work in helping prevent homelessness in our community.”
Contact [email protected] to sponsor the YMCA Burton Sleepout.
