140 Sleep Rough For Charity

Wednesday, 22 November 2023 11:14

140 people spent their Friday night sleeping in Pier Road car park for Sanctuary Trust's Sleepout.

The homeless charity says it was the biggest turnout in the fundraising event's five-year history, raising at least £35,000.

The Sleep Out sees islanders spending the night in the car park.

Chair of the Sanctuary Trust says this year's event is extremely important.

"It’s been a really tough year for so many, and particularly for the charity sector, so we are really grateful to everyone who took part and to all those who supported them.

As we don’t currently receive government funding, we rely on fundraising events, donations and grants to cover our annual operating costs, which are now in the region of £550,000"

The oldest to take part in the event was 74 years old, with the youngest just eight.

Oldest & youngest sleepers

Volunteers from the Grace Trust ran a soup kitchen for those sleeping rough, with general manager Vini Jones playing his guitar and getting a singalong going.

Sarah Tumelty from Sanctuary Trust says the atmosphere was 'really special'.

"We were heartened by the number of islanders who chose to swap their warm beds for the concrete car park floor to raise awareness about homelessness and to support the work we do. Current and former residents also spent the night and helped with the event."

The fundraising page stays open until 30 November, you can donate here.