Lancashire gas network Cadent has matched funds raised by a senior manager who took part in the Turf Moor Sleepout to reach £920, to support homelessness charity Emmaus Burnley and three other worthy causes.
Cadent is one of Emmaus UK’s strategic corporate partners, which has pledged to raise £400,000 over a two-year period. In addition to the funding, Cadent has been providing pro bono support, donating gifts in kind, raising awareness and volunteering, to help member Emmaus charities support people building back from homelessness across the UK.
Last November 18th, Cadent Head of Safety & Assurance in the North West, Paul Clarke, slept out at Burnley FC’s football stadium alongside Emmaus Burnley’s Director Stephen Buchanan, to raise money and awareness for the charity. Other charities that also benefitted were Safenet Domestic Abuse Services, Pendleside Hospice and Burnley FC in the Community.
Paul bedded down for the night at Turf Moor in temperatures as low as 7oC to highlight the importance of the work Emmaus Burnley does to provide a safe and warm place to live, personalised support, and meaningful work and training for people with experience of homelessness.
Paul said: “We all see many people that are homeless, through no fault of their own and we need to give them as much support as we can. The roof over their heads, the good meal or warm clothing Emmaus charities provide can make all of the difference.
“With the current challenges facing the general public, the number of homeless and sleeping rough is increasing. If I can spend just one night experiencing what they endure all of the time, and have the ability to support them, then it is worthwhile.”
Business leaders and members of the public were invited to take part in the sleepout organised by Burnley FC in the Community in partnership with Emmaus Burnley.
Director of Emmaus Burnley Stephen Buchanan said: “Thank you to Paul and Cadent for showing such support for Emmaus through the Turf Sleepout. The ground was hard and the weather was cold, so I was grateful for all the camaraderie shown at Burnley FC’s Turf Moor.
“Sleeping out serves as an important reminder for us all of what life is like day-in, day-out for people who are in need of shelter, warmth and support. Emmaus Burnley exists to help people take their next steps out of homelessness and helps to support these people towards living happy, healthy and fulfilled lives.”
Are you part of an organisation and would like to get involved with raising money, donating goods or giving time to Emmaus Burnley? Please get in touch using our online volunteer form.