Local people helped to raise £14,268 for YMCA Exeter at a local fundraising on Saturday 9th March that saw them sleep out for the night in the grounds of Barnfield Crescent.
More than 40 people took part at the event, helping to raise money but also awareness of the work of the local youth charity. Participants paid an entry fee of £10 and were sleeping on DIY cardboard beds.
It was all part of a national YMCA Sleep Easy Week that saw YMCAs across the country come together over seven days to promote their work with young people.
The money raised will be used to support YMCA Exeter’s services for young people who are transitioning out of homelessness. Participants included teams from Grow Exeter, New Look, Knight Frank, Exeter College and AECOM.
Gareth Sorsby, YMCA Exeter Chief Executive, said: We’re thrilled about the success and I’d like to thank everyone who took part and spent the night out with us.
Thanks to your kindness we can now help even more young people than before and support them to realise their potential. One night out can make a lifetime of difference.”
YMCA Exeter has operated in the area since 1846. Services for its hundreds of young clients include Supported Accommodation, Skills & Enterprise and Health & Wellbeing.
Bethan Spencer, Fundraising Manager at YMCA Exeter, said: “Sleeping rough for a night can be life changing experience for many people. We can never truly understand how difficult it is being young and homeless, unless we experience even a fraction of what it’s like sleeping out.
By taking part in our annual sponsored sleep-out, participants have actively showed their care and compassion for the young people in our community.”
If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering for YMCA Exeter please visit www.justgiving.com/exeterymca.
