YMCA’s annual sleepout deemed a success
Over 140 participants came together for a night of rough sleeping in the 15th annual sleepout for YMCA Burton.
The sleepout took place at Pirelli Stadium, Burton Albion FC’s home ground on Friday, 10 November as temperatures dropped to 4 degrees.
There was also the option of the Xtreme Sleepout at St Modwen’s graveyard which gained more participants thus year.
YMCA Burton celebrated the milestone of 15 years of holding this event, which is their largest fundraiser while their CEO Paul Laffey has taken part in every one.
Paul said: “I find participating in the annual Sleepout a challenge and a humbling experience in equal measure. It’s a stark reminder of what many of our residents have faced before they found sanctuary and a place to call home at the YMCA.
“Of course, it’s only one night sleeping rough as a participant, and I realise how blessed I am to have a loving family, a support network, and a home.
“15 years is quite a milestone and I am pleased to have taken part every year the YMCA has run the event. I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me to take part, all the wonderful participants who have Slept-Out and the people who have sponsored them, you really do help change lives.”
The participants also heard from YMCA Burton’s president Ben Robinson and ex-Brewers boss Nigel Clough who came to do the Sleepout. They later presented Paul with a gift and certificate for his 15 years of Sleepout service.
Fundraising and partnerships manager Paula Senior, who has organised the Sleepout for the past eight years said: “This is my eighth year of organising Sleepout and each year, I am blown away and humbled by the support it gets.
“This year, especially with the continued cost of living crisis, has made fundraising really difficult so we are grateful for all the money the fundraisers have managed to raise and to all our sponsors too.”
YMCA Burton are still taking donations for this years’ Sleepout. Click here to donate.
