Overnight Gathering to Aid the Homeless
In the chilly night of Friday, 15th November, 14 students and 3 staff members braved the cold weather to participate in a sleepout fundraiser in Leeds. The event, organised by Alice Ainsworth, Assistant Marketing Manager, aimed to raise funds and awareness for St George's Crypt and Homeless Street Angels, two local charities providing shelter, food, and support services for homeless and vulnerable people.
Prior to the sleepout, Alice Ainsworth took a tour of both charities, gaining a deep understanding of the vital work they do. The night began with inspiring talks from representatives of both charities, which were moving and highlighted the importance of their work. Caroline, Stewart, and Jules, who were also present, expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to discuss the good work done at St George's Crypt.
The visitors shared personal stories of homelessness, providing insight into the issue and touching the hearts of the participants. So far, £750 has been raised online for St George's Crypt and Homeless Street Angels. The participants wrapped up warm for the cold November night, their spirits undeterred by the windy weather.
Before the sleepout, everyone enjoyed a meal of pizzas together. The participants made their 'beds' with cardboard and a sleeping bag, ready to spend the night outside. Alice Ainsworth found the work done by the charities to be fantastic and it gave her motivation to make a difference.
Karen Elden, Community Fundraiser at St George's Crypt, expressed appreciation for the organising and participation in the sleepout fundraiser. The experiences shared made the participants feel the work they were doing was even more worthwhile. Despite the challenges, the participants remained determined to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
If you feel inspired to support St George's Crypt and Homeless Street Angels, a donation link is provided for readers to donate. The ongoing efforts of such sleepout fundraisers include annual or regular events, campaigns to increase donations and volunteer recruitment, and partnership initiatives with local organizations to provide consistent aid and advocacy for homeless populations.
These events help build community solidarity and foster empathy among participants for those experiencing homelessness, raising awareness and generating financial support for local charities like St George's Crypt and Homeless Street Angels. By participating in or donating to these events, individuals can make a tangible difference in the lives of homeless people in their community.
- Alice Ainsworth, appreciating the good work done at St George's Crypt, decided to incorporate elements of science and research into her future fundraising initiatives, aiming to educate participants about the health-and-wellness aspects of homelessness.
- Prior to the next sleepout fundraiser, participants were encouraged to engage in discussions about how improved sleep quality could contribute to the overall health-and-wellness of homeless individuals, with the hope of generating innovative solutions that could be implemented by the charities.
