In order to raise awareness for homelessness and raise vital funds for local organisations, The Rotary Clubs of Cannock and Stratford took part in a sponsored ‘Sleep Out to Kit Out’.
27 brave sleepers endured 12 hours of braving the elements with card board boxes for beds and they were rewarded for their efforts as the event raised £6,000.
The money raised will be going towards the Stafford and Cannock League of Hospital Friends who plan on using the money to help people in supported housing to move onto a home of their own by purchasing items that most of us take for granted, like a bed, fridge, kettle or toaster.
Connie and Sarah Steel preparing one of the boxes they would be sleeping in.
The event even caught the attention of the BBC, with Rebecca Wood of their Midlands news team spending time with those sleeping out and speaking to Sarah and Connie Steel – the youngest people taking part who managed to raise over £600 between them in sponsorship.
Harold Bould, President of Cannock Rotary Club, said: “This was a new event for Rotary in Cannock and by joining with the Rotary Club of Stafford, who had organised a Sleep Out before, we were able to use our joint expertise with the support of South Staffordshire College to make the event the success it was.”
Prior to the challenge, there was also a pre-sleep out social event with live music, a raffle and a BBQ-style buffet for everyone to enjoy.
Amanda Milling MP took time out of her busy schedule to attend the event and to thank those taking part for raising money in support of such a worthwhile cause.
If you want more information on the project, you can check out this Facebook page or email Sleepout2022@gmail.com.
