Trinity Winchester’s unique fundraising event, the Big Sleep Out, has raised over £30,000 to date. On Friday 5th May, 200 people bedded down in the grounds of the iconic Winchester Cathedral to raise funds and awareness for local homelessness charity Trinity Winchester. Participants built themselves cardboard shelters to sleep in and raised sponsorship for taking on the challenge of sleeping outside for the night.
Before the sleeping began, The Inner Close hosted an Evening Celebration with local bands, caterers, charities and entertainment aiming to bring the community together. Those who slept out included teams from local businesses, Scout and Guide groups, families, Church teams and more.
One participant said “My daughter and I absolutely loved the event, it was a wonderful evening with plenty of help available if needed, and it was good to chat with our ‘neighbours’. I like the fact that understandably it is by no means near to the experience of life on the streets, but certainly opened my eyes somewhat, as well as teaching my daughter a valuable lesson about helping the less fortunate.”
Lucy Tennant, Events and Community Fundraiser, said “We have been overwhelmed by the support for the Big Sleep Out this year. Thanks to all who took part, sponsored participants, and joined us for the evening. Every penny raised will help our staff to provide specialist one to one support to some of the most vulnerable people in Winchester. As an example, £250 could pay for ten sessions of early morning Outreach supporting people who are rough sleeping. £75 could pay for two counselling sessions for a woman fleeing domestic abuse. Trinity provides a wide range of services to an average of 700 homeless and other vulnerable people every year, and we rely on the generosity of local people to keep going. All who took part in the sleep out had the luxury of going back to a warm home and shower, which is not an option for thousands of people across the country.”
There is still time to support the Big Sleep Out by visiting www.justgiving.com/trinity-winchester.
