On Friday 26th March, more than 50 brave souls abandoned the luxury of their beds for one night as part of the United for Cambridge Virtual Sleepout in support of Wintercomfort for the Homeless and Cambridge United Community Trust...
In gardens, in sheds, under canvas, on floors and in the backs of vehicles people from across the city and beyond joined together (virtually) to raise awareness and funds for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the local community.
A programme of events was hosted live online throughout the evening including a virtual quiz, a raffle supported by local businesses and special guest appearances. A particular highlight of the event was the Bedtime Story Broadcast, when the two winning entries from a story writing competition - entered by primary and secondary aged children throughout the region - were read aloud by athe ward-winning children’s authors, Dan Freedman and Tom Palmer.
The amount raised so far through sponsorship and the raffle is just over £9,000 which will be divided equally between the two charities.
Melody Brooker Fundraising and Communications Manager of Wintercomfort who co-hosted and participated in the event with her family said, “What was a long, chilly and uncomfortable night for us all, is a nightly reality for far too many in our community. We are so grateful for the amazing support of those who took part in and donated to the sleepout and to our event partners Cambridge United Community Trust. The funds raised will help to continue Wintercomfort’s life-changing support for rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness in the city.”
Simon Wall, Communities Manager at the Community Trust, said, “We were delighted to host our fourth sleepout. Naturally this year, with continuing uncertainty around Coronavirus Lockdown regulations, we held it virtually, inviting the local community to create their own Sleepout experience at home. In some ways, this meant more people could take part and we were delighted to see so many families join. We are incredibly humbled by the amount raised which will go towards our programmes with vulnerable young people in our city.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation can still do so at https://cuctrust.enthuse.com/cf/united-for-cambridge-virtual-sleepout. The campaign will remain live until Friday 16th April.