Please Sponsor Us – We’re Taking Part In YMCA’s Sleep £asy Sleep Out

Published on: 11 Jan, 2013
Updated on: 11 Jan, 2013

The Guildford Dragon News’s Martin Giles and David Rose are taking part in a sponsored sleep out to raise funds to help combat youth homelessness and are now asking for your donations please…

Some of those taking part in the sleep out on Saturday, February 2. From left: David Rose, Martin Giles, Anne Milton, Louise Punter and Pete Brayne.

The Sleep £asy sleep out takes place on Saturday, February 2, and is in aid of Guildford YMCA’s Lifechange Fund.

Martin and David will be sleeping out under the stars with other ‘local stars’ including Guildford MP Anne Milton; the CEO of Surrey Chamber of Commerce, Louise Punter; and the CEO of Guildford YMCA, Pete Brayne. This will be the fifth time Pete has taken part in the challenge that aims to raise both awareness of youth homelessness and significant funds to combat it. David has also taken part in a previous Sleep £asy sleep out – so he knows how cold and uncomfortable it gets!

Anne Milton said: “The YMCA does a fantastic job and there is no better way to highlight the plight of homeless young people than sleeping out for the night. But Guildford YMCA needs funds to support the work that they do.We might be cold through the night but please warm our hearts and give generously!

Louise Punter said: “I am fortunate to have a roof over my head, but it will be good to experience, for just one night, what having to sleep out means for those young people who have to do it regularly.

The YMCA is asking for others who may like join these stars? The challenge is twofold – spending one night outside will not be a true taste of homelessness but it will be cold and uncomfortable. And raising hundreds of pounds in sponsorship is a big challenge in the current climate, although past experience tells that friends and family dig deep when the temperature falls!  Last year just 10 people slept out and raised over £12,000 between them, making a difference to the lives of many young people.

Developing young people is the main focus of Guildford YMCA’s work. When young people have experienced homelessness finding direction in life is a challenge. Engaging with YMCA key workers and youth projects such as Prince’s Trust Teams and BOOST (Bring On Opportunities, Skills and Training) makes a vital difference, and support is offered for as long as it is needed.

Please make a donation and sponsor David and Martin. You can do it on line very easily. Click here to this link.

If you are interested in joining the sleep out Pete Brayne would like to hear from you. Email admin@guildfordymca.org.uk with your details.

You can also make a donation by cheque, encourage those who are taking on the challenge. Cheques (made payable to Guildford YMCA Ltd) can be sent to Pete Brayne, Guildford YMCA, Bridge Street, Guildford, GU1 4SB.

Keep a look out on this website for updates as the big nights draws near, and we will also be reporting on it with photos and comments from those taking part, and letting everyone know how much was raised.

Also, to keep up to date with the event’s progress visit www.lifechangefund.org.uk/sleepeasy.htm.

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