Wiganers being urged to join The Brick’s SleepOut at DW stadium
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People in Wigan are being urged to swap their beds for sleeping bags for one night to raise funds for us.
This year, we have teamed up with Wigan Athletic to hold a DW Stadium SleepOut and we are hoping for 200 people to fill the south stand concourse on Friday, April 6, 8pm- Saturday, April 7, 8am – to raise vital funds and awareness of our work.
First team players Dan Burn and Samy Morsy and Latics Chief Executive Jonathan Jackson helped to launch the sleepout with The Brick’s business director, Nick Brookes and volunteer Garry Colsey – who has experienced homelessness.
Nick said: “Too many people still find themselves with no option but to sleep rough, in danger, exposed to the elements and at risk of damaging their physical and mental health.
“Our DW Stadium SleepOut isn’t trying to replicate that experience, but it gives us all a chance to help change the lives of the people that it is a reality for.
“All we ask is that for one night, people give up the luxury of their beds and swap it for a sleeping bag on the floor in the stadium.
“I would like to thank our charity partners for the year, Wigan Athletic, for all their support with this event. Let’s pack out the DW Stadium with people of Wigan whether that’s Latics fans, Warriors fans, business communities or family and friends, to give homeless people a better future.”
Last year, people braved the elements in Wigan town centre to take part in The Brick’s StreetSleep and raised £11,000 – a target we hope to beat this year.
Latics captain Sam, who visited The Brick with his teammates at Christmas, to learn about the work that they do, meet staff, volunteers and service users, as well as help out in the foodbank – is urging fans to get involved.
He said: “Our visit to The Brick was a real eye opener, before going along, I didn’t know how many people in the area needed support to get back on their feet. This event will help and I hope the fans can get behind it to help end homelessness and poverty in Wigan borough.”
Players will not be able to join in with the event as they have a match on the Saturday against MK Dons – but all participants in the sleepout will be offered tickets to the match and the person who raises the most funds will be given two hospitality tickets for a match later in the season.
Registration for the event on Friday, April 6, will begin at 9.30pm with a 10pm start, through to 6am the following morning. Breakfast will be served and refreshments and entertainment will be available during the evening.
A minimum fundraising target of £100 for adults and £50 for juniors has been set for each individual who attends the event. Children aged 12 and over are welcome to join the event when accompanied by a responsible adult, as well as youth groups.
For more information on the event and to register email giving@thebrick.org.uk
