The lengths people are willing to go to for Charity is sometimes beyond belief.
We may well be experiencing temperatures approaching freezing or even below, but that isn’t deterring willing fundraisers in joining the ‘Big Sleepout’ at Sixfields Stadium on Friday 26th January.
The Northampton Hope Centre is hoping to make the 2018 occasion another record breaking year in terms of the numbers of sleepers and the amount raised, surpassing 2017 which saw an incredible 172 campers and £60,000 generated.
A number of Northampton Town staff will be taking part including club mascot Clarence the Dragon, who has invited ‘Mick the Skip’ mascot of local partner Mick George Ltd, sponsors of the Family Enclosure area at Sixfields. Inevitably, ‘Mick’ will be a much-needed source of entertainment throughout the night, as the conditions become a little testing.
The combination have set themselves a fundraising target of £700, which is already within reach having seen £460 donated so far.
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/clarence-the-dragon1 to help Clarence and Mick the Skip achieve their target and support this very deserving Charity.
For those who are questioning the challenge in hand, you only have to look at the list of advisable items to accompany those sleeping out, to see that this isn’t going to be an evening many will wish to replicate in a hurry. From cardboard boxes, to roll-mats, survival-bags and weatherproof clothing, it’s fair to say this isn’t going to be the most glamourous event, but certainly serves a worthwhile purpose.
Founded in 1974, Northampton Hope Centre tackles poverty and homelessness. Their work helps people experiencing the most acute problems of disadvantage, exclusion and marginalisation. As well as giving practical support, they focus on helping people to help themselves, provide support and services that will enable individuals to take back control of their own lives, and campaign with them against the causes of their disadvantage.
The funds will help towards the £35,000 per month costs to run the centre, which supports around 120 people every day, providing hot meals, showers and clothes, as well as delivering a range of education, training and development activities.
Jon Stump, Finance Director at Mick George Ltd commented: ‘’We’re involved with many Charitable causes and are always looking to offer our support where possible. Only last year we granted £1,000 to Corby Nightlight, a similar Charity in the Northamptonshire region. It’s commendable that so many willing volunteers are happy to go through the exertions that will arise from the event.’’