THE Pirelli Stadium will again be hosting Burton YMCA’s Sleepout which aims to support those who are sleeping rough.
The 15th annual event will take place on Friday, November 10.
In 2022 around 90 participants spent the night sleeping rough and raised over £18,000 in the process.
The YMCA’s Sleepout sees volunteers spending the night away from their beds in support of homeless people who have to sleep on the streets in all weathers.
On arrival at the Pirelli Stadium, participants will be given a cardboard box and shown where to set themselves up for the night.
Burton Albion Chairman Ben Robinson is also President of the YMCA.
He said: “Homelessness is something that no-one should have to face, and this is an important event in both highlighting the plight of those sleeping rough and raising vital funds to help those in need.
“I’m very proud of all the amazing work the YMCA does in supporting people who find themselves homeless and I’m delighted that we can again use the facilities at the football club to support this major fundraising initiative.”
Paul Laffey, Chief Executive of Burton YMCA, said: ‘With our 15th annual Sleepout fast approaching I would like to thank Burton Albion FC and Burton Albion Community Trust for their support.
“This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and we are once again thrilled that the YMCA President Ben Robinson is supporting the launch of the Sleepout.
“Burton Albion provides the venue for participants to sleep at, food and drinks, and some wonderful staff and volunteers to ensure it is a success. The support from Ben, the club and the trust in making this fundraising event happen is truly inspiring.”
Paula Senior, Fundraising & Partnerships Manager, YMCA Burton said: “So far this year, we have provided 105 people with a safe place to call home through our accommodation service. They would otherwise be on the streets or sofa surfing.
“The difference that we make at YMCA Burton is astounding and the demand across all our services is at an all-time high. We actively change lives by helping and supporting those living in crisis. This is our ‘why’; why we do what we do and why feel so passionate about it.
“Our annual Sleepout event helps us to continue fulfilling our ‘why’, as will the amazing people who are giving up their beds for the night on the 10th of November to raise money and awareness for homelessness and to support people through our services. Thank you to everyone for their support and belief in the work that we do, we cannot continue to do this without the help of others.”
More information on the Sleepout can be found here https://burtonymca.org/sleepout/
