Dozens sleep out to raise £1,000s for homeless charity
DOZENS of people slept out in Derbyshire last night to mark the YMCA’s Sleep Easy event, which was held virtually for the first time.
Usually, the annual event takes place in the car park at Derbyshire County Cricket Ground in early March.
But due to the current lockdown restrictions, its 11th staging was held virtually - with more than 50 people spending the night in cardboard shelters or tents in their gardens.
Participants were given a link to online content, which was scheduled to go live at 7.30pm, with a Zoom quiz at 9pm.
As of yesterday afternoon, almost £10,000 has been raised, with a target set to reach £20,000.
Gillian Sewell, YMCA Derbyshire’s chief executive, said: “This is our 11th year hosting this huge event, which is so important in our mission to continue changing young people’s lives in Derbyshire. It’s strange not meeting up with our wonderful community at Derbyshire County Cricket Ground, but we really hope to recreate the same kind of atmosphere virtually.
“We’d like to thank every single person that supports us through this event in advance. You really are helping to change young people’s lives.”
Over the last year, the charity says it has seen a huge increase in the need for its services. Young people supported by YMCA Derbyshire have found themselves struggling more with their mental health, food poverty and unemployment.
As this year is so different, the charity is hoping to shine light on other elements of homelessness, including sofa surfing and simply having no place to call home.
Last year, more than 100 people took part, including Mary Gordon, YMCA Derbyshire chair, who said: “When I did Sleep
Easy for the first time, the biggest challenge was trying to stay warm. “It made me appreciate how lucky I am. I’m not going to lie, I was so relieved to get home and into a nice hot bath.
“But for so many homeless people a safe, warm place to sleep is not their reality and it must be so difficult not to lose hope that a better future is possible.” Those interested in taking part in the virtual event can get in touch with sleepeasy@ ymcaderbyshire. org.uk to find out more, with participants still able to take part on another night. Anyone who would like to donate to YMCA Derbyshire Sleep Easy 2021 can do so at uk.virginmoneygiving.com.