A BOROUGH homeless charity is urging Silhillians to sacrifice one night of comfort and raise vital funds.
St Basils will hold its annual ‘Sleep Out’ fundraising event on Friday, March 10, to help raise awareness of homelessness in the area and to prevent youth homelessness across Solihull.
More than 150 people have registered so far – representing local businesses, social groups and schools from the region.
This year’s event is being held in the covered car park of the Renewal Church in Solihull.
Plans are already in place to break last year’s fundraising mark of more than £5,000, which has been used for various projects in the borough to help support young people in their quest to become independent.
Coun Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for environment, housing and regeneration, will be taking part in this year’s event – which will see fundraisers sleep outside in the cold temperatures.
Coun Hawkins said: “I am so pleased to be able to support St Basils at the Solihull Sleep out this year.
“Homelessness can be addressed and St Basils plays a major part in helping to find secure and safe accommodation for people in Solihull and Birmingham.
“The more we can help organisations like St Basils by just doing something different just for one night, then the better outcomes we can achieve for vulnerable young homeless people.”
Barrie Hodge, head of fundraising and communications at St Basils, said: “We are delighted the Renewal Church is hosting this event again.
“The location is perfect in the sense that it takes place in a huge covered car park warehouse, so will remain dry which means that participants can be really expressive with building their shelters for the night.
“We always run a Creative Cardboard Competition for the best dwelling judged on the night and it can get quite competitive.
“Even though the location is covered it’s still cold and a tough night sleeping ‘rough’.”
Visit www.stbasils.org.uk/solihullsleepout or call 0121 772 9614 if you would like to take part in this year’s event.
