90 sleepers took part on the second instalment of the Giant Howarth Sleepout raising over £9000 to support the vulnerable through Giants Community Trust and The Howarth Foundation projects.
Friday 13th October, The John Smith’s Stadium, sleeping rough on the cold terraces for the night – participants came together to experience and help highlight how individuals who are homeless cope on a daily basis.
The sleepout is a large fundraiser in the calendar that helps raise valuable funds to support the work of both charities; providing underserved children new experiences and opportunities; work packages to give individuals who are homeless help back into employment.
The second instalment included new and returning participants, including young children, teenagers, families, sports groups and business leaders.
Arriving to the stadium at 8:30pm after initially meeting at The Zone, participants made their way to the Chadwick Lawrence Stand where they built their sleeping arrangements for the night.
Once everyone was settled, including plenty of hot refreshments, at approximately 10pm, everyone gathered round in the Magic Rock Stand to listen to Carl, as he shared his journey and experiences of homelessness. A very harrowing listen, but also to brilliant hear the impact that The Howarth Foundation has supported him on his journey.
To keep the children engaged, there was an array of fun games and competitions, much to their interest.
At 12pm everyone made their way to their makeshift arrangements and settled down for the night. The conditions for the night were not the most favourable, with rainfall all day it made a very wet and cold experience alongside the gusts of wind and temperatures reaching as low as five degrees.
The next morning at 6:30am the event concluded – participants made their way home after a breakfast buffet full of cereal bars, pastries and cereal.
All funds raised will be equally split and will directly support the vulnerable in Kirklees and the local areas.
Thank you’s must go to the event sponsors – Medequip, The PMG, Ministry of Colour, Involution, MPM Group and BNI Terriers alongside all the tireless hours the volunteers put in.
Lisa Darwin, Chief Executive; Giants Community Trust adds: “We are so thankful to all our sleepers who gave up up a night of their own comforts and their efforts to collect their donations and raise as much awareness as possible.
All the funds raised will help support the vulnerable through our healthy active school holiday initiative and the work of The Howarth Foundation with their homelessness employment packages.
It was great to meet new participants and those completing for a second year running. The community spirit was amazing and we can’t wait for 2024!”
If you would like to make a last minute donation you can head to our JustGiving Page HERE
