Huge thanks to our incredible supporters who braved the November weather for the St Albans Sleepout, raising over £7,100 for our charity!
Our intrepid team of 30 companions, staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters spent a night sleeping rough at Oaklands College on Friday for the annual St Albans Sleepout, raising awareness and essential funds for five Hertfordshire homelessness charities, including ours.
Organised by Herts Young Homeless, the event also saw support from notable attendees such as the Hertfordshire High Sheriff, Annie Brewster, Daisy Cooper MP and the Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Jamie Day.
“Fantastic support”
Our Business Development Manager, Gemma Beckett, who took part in her second Sleepout on Friday, said: “It was a great turnout this year and we received such fantastic support from our companions, staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters. All of them experienced the discomfort of rough sleeping for one night which is a real eye-opener for those who haven’t experienced homelessness, providing a snapshot of what vulnerable people have to endure night after night.
“It was especially poignant for us because our Shop Manager Graham and companion Chris, also took part, both of whom experienced spells of rough sleeping before joining our community. We are beyond proud of them for reliving this challenging time of their lives to help us end homelessness for more people who find themselves in the same position. Graham also shared his story with participants as part of the speeches on the night, and companion Rosemary ran a mosaic workshop to keep sleepers entertained through the evening.
“Thanks also to our generous supporters and fundraisers whose vital funds enable us to continue transforming the lives of people affected by homelessness by providing them with a warm and stable home, employment opportunities in our social enterprises and a brighter future through tailored support, training and personal development opportunities.”
Huge thanks go to our long-term supporters, Ringway and CPL Aromas, who sent a massive team of 17 fundraisers to support us. Special mention also goes to our volunteer Steve and his wife Liza for braving a night outdoors, and also to the wonderful Gaskin family who have been kindly supporting us at the event for 11 years, an incredible track record!
A big thank you also goes to our new trustee David Sawday, Mark at Herts for Refugees, and to Abels Moving Services for donating a large consignment of cardboard – their help was greatly appreciated by participants!
Not too late to donate
This increasingly popular fundraising event was kindly sponsored by local businesses Mullaley and Echelon. It was also supported by the Watford Rapid Relief Team who provided a much-needed warm breakfast, and The St Albans Arts team whose evening entertainment kept spirits lifted.
The annual Sleepout, raises awareness and essential funds for five Hertfordshire homeless charities, including ours: Herts Young Homeless, Open Door, The Living Room and Centre 33.
Thanks to the collective efforts of over 200 particpants this year, over £57,000 has been raised so far to the charities dedicated to combating homelessness in the community.
It’s still not too late to make a donation and support our vital work. Click on our link above if you’d like to add your support.
