Tickets now on sale for Burton YMCA sleepout
Local charity YMCA Burton has announced that tickets are now on sale for their annual fundraising event.
Sleepout is a chance to spend the night sleeping outdoors to raise awareness and fundraise for YMCA Burton, who operate homeless outreach facilities, housing, foodbank, affordable furniture through their shops and mediation & counselling services in the East Staffordshire Borough area.
The target funding to raise at this year's Sleepout event is £50,000.
The event will take place on Friday 7 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.
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.
Burton & District Chamber of Commerce have supported YMCA Burton for many years and YMCA Burton are urging members to participate.
The Head of Burton District & Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, Richard Brooks, has supported the event before and has pledged to sign up again this year.
Richard said: “My wife and I take part in the YMCA Burton Sleepout at the Pirelli Stadium every year, and it’s something we truly value.
“It’s a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are, while also being a fun and memorable experience.
“Most importantly, it’s a privilege to be part of such a worthwhile cause. We’re looking forward to joining in again this year!”
The YMCA Sleepout is now in its 17th year and since it started in 2008 has raised over £480,000 to help those in our community who need it.
Participants for the event have ranged from two to 93.
YMCA Burton hopes for a record-breaking year.
Chief executive Paul Laffey said: “We feel real gratitude to everyone who supports this event each year and are thankful to their sponsors too, for helping raise vital funds for the services we provide.
“It will be my 17th Sleepout and I will be back at St Modwen’s Church Yard.
“I hope as many people as possible can join me at Sleepout this year. If you can’t make one of the venues, we would love for you to take part remotely.
“Taking part from your garden or even someone’s sofa will also raise awareness for the hidden homeless too.”
People and businesses that cannot take part are encouraged to support the event by buying goods for the night or sponsoring a box that someone can sleep in during the event for £150. In exchange, the charity is offering social media coverage along with the business name written on the box during the event.
Pictured: Richard and Helen Brooks
