On Friday 2nd December 2011, St Basils held its annual sponsored “BIG SleepOut” challenge. Over 350 St Basils supporters, bedded down to sleep for the night in the carpark and street next to St Basils’ headquarters in Digbeth, in just a cardboard box and some plastic sheeting. Once again this event was helped made possible by sponsors Jaffabox who donated tonnes of cardboard for attendees to build their shelter for the night.
At the same time 5 'Satellite' SleepOuts also took place across Birmingham, 2 churches and 3 educational institutions; students from South Birmingham College, Birmingham Metropolitan College and Medical students at Birmingham University all organised their own versions.
The money raised will help St Basils continue its crucial work preventing youth homelessness in Birmingham and North Worcestershire.
The evening has already raised over £51,000, smashing last year's grand total of £35,000, with much more sponsorship still yet to come in.
This year's event was generously supported by the local Corporate community and staff from BIG SleepOut sponsors Harvey Nichols in Birmingham not only provided all the food and staffed the canteen for the night, but five staff also took part in the challenge itself.
Kevin Breese, manager of the store in Birmingham said: “The Big SleepOut has become a very important date on the city’s fundraising calendar, and I have been delighted to see how many businesses are here backing such a worthy event.”
Nick Green from Squires, Sanders and Hammonds whose staff also volunteered throughout the night said: “I think this is a really worthwhile thing to do as St Basils is a great cause. The presentation from the St Basils young residents really brings it home to you; there’s a lot of doom and gloom around at the moment but events like this really put things in perspective.”
The event was also visited by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham who introduced the Midnight service. She described St Basils as a “fantastic charity” and told those taking part in the SleepOut “you’re all amazing”.
Two Big Names from the local media also took part in this year’s BIG SleepOut; Alun Thorne, Editor of the Birmingham Post and Ed James from Heart FM.
Alun Thorne said; “St Basils is a brilliant charity and an institution in this city…Although homelessness is a problem, Birmingham has a comparatively low rate of rough sleeping and I’m sure St Basils plays a huge part in that!
Ed James from Heart FM said of the SleepOut: “The SleepOut is a fantastic event, it gives a real insight into what people that are homeless would have to go through”. Rachel New, Ed James’ co-presenter on the Breakfast show added; “especially as last winter was so horrendously cold, where as we just put the heating on!”. However both Ed and Rachel said “We’ve really enjoyed the event, actually, it’s been brilliant! It’s been a very well run, well organised event; The Sleep Out is on the list of the many things Birmingham can be very proud”.
Lucy Hackett, Head of Fundraising said; “In these difficult times, we are so grateful for the positive response we have had from our local communities and that so many people came down to take part in this sponsored challenge to help raise funds for us. Nationally, homelessness is on the rise so our work to prevent youth homelessness is now crucially important.”
A video of BIG SleepOut was made on the night by I Am Birmingham, this can be viewed on You Tube. More photos are also available to view on Flickr.
Although this event is now over you can still help support St Basils and prevent youth homelessness by texting a donation: Please text ZZZZ11 £5 (or any amount between £1 - £10) to 70070.
Next year's St Basils BIG SleepOut will be held on Friday 30th November 2012. More information can be found at: www.stbasils.org.uk/sleepout
Added December 2011.
