Stadium Sleepout Shines a Light on Homelessness in Bolton
The Bolton Community came together on Friday 21st March for the third BWFC Stadium Sleepout. The partnership between Bolton Wanderers in the Community and Urban Outreach saw over 90 people sleepout under the stars here at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The fundraiser saw over 90 people consisting of BWFC supporters, local businesses and business leaders including BWFC COO, Phil Mason and Urban Outreach CEO, Dave Bagley, sleep pitch side, braving the cold March night, with plenty of rain, to raise awareness and crucial funds for BWitC and Urban Outreach.
On the night, participants were joined by BWFC’s Lofty the Lion before Phil and Dave joined the Fanzone Podcast team to take part in a question-and-answer session providing an insight into the local need around homelessness and the understanding around less than home. Shining a light on the work that is carried out across Bolton by both of the charities, Dave introduced the Power of One and the importance of understanding if we can all contribute something small, one can of food or £1, we can help support those in our community experiencing less than home.
Speaking on the night, Phil Mason said “The success of our club on the pitch and our town go hand in hand. As a Community Club we pride ourselves on being proactive within our Town and supporting them as they support us week in week out. Events like the sleepout allow us to open our doors to supporters and local residents to unify in our efforts to support our wider community.
The atmosphere on the evening was fantastic and we have to thank all the people who have come to the Sleepout to support both Urban Outreach and Bolton Wanderers in the Community. The mood was great despite the cold March weather and even when the reality began to set in that the night ahead was going to be tough everyone involved banded together to keep spirits high. Sleeping on concrete is unforgiving and everyone showed empathy for those in our town without a place to call home. The lived experience of those without a home allows us to walk in the footsteps of some of our community. Thank you to everyone who has donated to and supported the event helping both charities to continue the work they do across our town.”
BWitC would like to thank all who supported and attended the event including Vital Energi, NatWest, AXA Insurance and Debs Parr and the Bolton Fems, Urban Outreach and Dawsons Bakery for providing food for the fundraisers.
You can still support the campaign through a donation HERE
For more information on our upcoming events head to Our Events