BRAVE Rugbeians – including the town’s first citizen – will endure the elements next week to raise cash for the homeless.
Mayor Bill Lewis will join fund-raisers for charity Hope4’s sponsored sleepout on Friday January 31.
The sleepout challenges volunteers to experience a night of sleeping rough – with only a tent, cardboard boxes or a sleeping bag to protect them from the elements.
The event aims to raise awareness of rough sleeping and money for Hope4, which provides the town’s homeless people with clothing, showers, hot food and laundry facilities, and helps them to find somewhere to live and apply for benefits.
The charity also runs the town’s winter shelter and, alongside the Trussell Trust, Rugby Foodbank.
Last year’s sponsored sleepout raised nearly £10,000 for Hope4, which relies on donations and fund-raising events to run its services.
Coun Lewis said: “Sleeping rough for one night in the middle of winter promises to be a real challenge, but rough sleeping is a harsh reality hundreds of people across the country face every day.
“The reasons people end up on the streets can be complex and wide ranging, and Hope4 takes a holistic approach to helping the homeless, offering immediate support such as hot meals and shelter while working with clients to find long-term solutions.
“The charity relies on donations and fund-raising to carry out this vital work, and I hope the people of Rugby can support the sponsored sleepout and make a donation.”
Georgina Newton from Hope4 said: “The generous support of the people of Rugby has made Hope4’s work possible and, once again, we are grateful to our brave participants in the sleepout and their families and supporters who, through their donations, enable us to provide support to those who need it.
“We’re looking forward to having the Mayor with us and hope his night is not too cold or uncomfortable.”
Visit www.hope4.org.uk to make a donation to the Hope4 sponsored sleepout, or for more information on the charity.
