Charity to hold virtual campout for night shelter
A Horsham charity will adapt its annual Big Sleep Out with a virtual campout and glow party to raise money for its homeless night shelter.
On Friday, July 17, Horsham Matters is hoping people will take part in a variety of online activities and a ‘sleep out’ at home – be it on a trampoline, in a treehouse, in the garden or even in the bath.
In partnership with Horsham Churches Together, the Glow Sleepout is being held in order to buy bedding kits for those using the shelter in December.
Paula Daly, community fundraiser at Horsham Matters, said: “Join us as we shine the light on homelessness and celebrate the summer holidays beginning. As we can’t now camp in a field, it has become virtual!
“We don’t know yet what will be happening with Covid-19 come winter, but must still make preparations for getting the street homeless into shelter when the bad weather hits.
“If anything, as more people are affected economically by the virus, and mortgage payment holidays and furlough come to an end, we anticipate that winter will be a time of great need.”
The night shelter provides local homeless people with a bed and food in the winter months. Last winter the shelter provided for 24 guests across seven venues.
This year, the charity is raising money to buy the specific items needed for the bedding kits. It costs £10 to buy a blanket, £15 to buy two pillows, £20 for sleeping bag and £25 for a camp bed. The full kit including kitbag costs £72.
Paula said: “This will be our 9th year of running a night shelter in Horsham in partnership with Horsham Churches Together.
“Every year since inception, during the winter months our shelter provides a hot evening meal, a bed and bedding for the night and breakfast for local people who are experiencing homelessness.
“Showering and laundry provision are available, plus evening activities, and the team of over 250 volunteers is focused on improving the wellbeing of those staying over.
“Outreach workers engage with and support the guests with specialist advice, particularly looking towards the future and our aim of getting them housed.”
As it’s not a sponsored event, Horsham Matters is asking for a small donation to help provide the bed kits, and people can donate even if they are unable to take part.
Please ensure that you provide your full details when you donate so the charity can send you your glow pack and links for the evening’s planned events which includes a Glowit exercise class with Louise Fitness.
Any queries can be directed to Paula Daly, paula.daly@ horsham-matters.org.uk or by calling 07702 492824.
To donate visit, https:// www.justgiving.com/ campaign/theglowsleepout