Over 50 supporters of Cambridge United, global campaigning charity Street Child United and homelessness charity Jimmy’s Cambridge have signed up already to brave the winter weather in February and take part in a sponsored sleepout at the Abbey Stadium.
Those taking part will ‘sleep rough’ in the stands of the Abbey Stadium on Friday 23 February. Money raised through the sleepout will be divided between Street Child United and projects at Jimmy’s Cambridge delivered in partnership with the Cambridge United Community Trust.
Ben Szreter, CEO of the Cambridge United Community Trust, said: “It’s great to be able to work with Street Child United and Jimmy’s to raise money for some really important causes. Both charities do brilliant work both locally and globally and being able to use the Abbey Stadium, the hub of our community, to support their excellent work is an exciting prospect.”
Street Child United organises sporting and campaigning events for street-connected young people from across the world. In May they will host a Street Child World Cup in Moscow, bringing 216 street-connected young people from 22 countries to take part in a football tournament and campaign for their rights and protection.
John Wroe, Co-Founder and CEO of Street Child United, said: “As a charity founded in Cambridge we have a special relationship with the city. We’re delighted that the people of Cambridge want to demonstrate their compassion by taking part in this sleepout. By supporting Street Child United and Jimmy’s Cambridge, this city is showing the world that it cares for the most vulnerable people living both here and across the world.”
Jimmy’s Cambridge delivers 24/7 emergency accommodation and supported housing for those who would otherwise be homeless or vulnerably housed. The charity’s vision is to provide homeless accommodation pathways from the street floor to a sustainable front door.
Barry Griffiths, Communities and Communications Officer of Jimmy’s Cambridge, said: "Jimmy's Cambridge is proud to be associated with the sleepout organised by Cambridge United Community Trust and to be alongside our friends Street Child United. This sleepout will demonstrate how generous Cambridge is and how mindful the community is for individuals that are less fortunate. Thank you Cambridge for your kindness and generosity to both charities – please come along and enjoy a night under the stars at the wonderful Abbey Stadium"
Anyone wishing to take part in the sleepout can email fundraising@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information.
If you cannot take part but wish to donate, please click here.