SILHILLIANS are being called upon to sleep out in the elements for the night to help raise funds in a bid to end youth homelessness.
St Basils, the youth homelessness charity is holding its fifth Solihull Sleepout event on April 5.
The event is being held in the covered car park of the Renewal Church on Lode Lane and so far more than 150 people have signed up to take part.
Last year’s event raised over £5,000 which has been used for various projects in the borough including helping support vulnerable young people to become independent and get back into education, work and training.
This is a sponsored challenge for individuals or groups to build a shelter out of cardboard and then sleep in it overnight. Everyone who enters is given a cardboard box to make a ‘dwelling’ for the night, supporters can bring more cardboard and things to help decorate their ‘home’.
A prize will be given for those judged the best.
There are toilets, security and films on the St Basil’s Big Screen.
There will be free Indian food until 11pm courtesy of LangarAid.
St Basils head of fundraising and communications, Barrie Hodge, said “We are delighted that the Renewal Church is hosting this event again and National Express West Midlands have sponsored the event.
“The location is perfect offering a covered car park to bed down in and the money from National Express covers all our costs ensuring all money raised goes towards ending youth homelessness.
“We always run a creative cardboard competition for the best dwelling judged on the night and it can get quite competitive.
“But even though the location is covered it’s still cold and a tough night sleeping ‘rough’.”
One of the sleepers at this year’s event is Solihull Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships.
She said: “The annual sleep out is a great way to raise additional money for St Basil’s and the important work they carry out throughout the year.
“It also serves as a reminder of the hardships too many people can face – though we will of course benefit from a covered car park, delicious Indian food and the support of others taking part.
“I will be at the sleep out with my 13 year old son Cameron – so wish me luck.”
For more visit www.stbasils.org.uk/solihullsleepout or contact [email protected]
