Do your bit to help Calderdale SmartMove by joining Sleep Anywhere challenge

Their sleep anywhere initiative takes place on Saturday, October 10, which is also World Homeless Day.
Their Big Calderdale Sleepout is usually held at the Piece Hall, and last year raised £65,000 for the charity, but has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Beth Currie, Fundraising and Marketing Manager for Calderdale SmartMove, said “2020 has been unprecedented in so many ways. For us as a charity and given the nature of our work it’s been particularly challenging.

“Demand for our services has continued to rise, yet we’ve not been able to hold any of our usual fundraising events due to the lockdown restrictions.

“We’ve therefore had to diversify our funding streams and look to other ways to raise the vital funds needed to continue with our life changing services.

“This year, instead of the Sleepout taking place at the Piece Hall, we’re asking people to ‘sleep out anywhere’.

“This could be in your own back garden, outside your house, or even on your living room floor – literally anywhere that isn’t a nice comfy bed!

“This event isn’t just about raising funds, it’s also about raising awareness. It’s to get people thinking about how it feels to spend a night without a bed, as so many of our clients have had to do.

“We as a charity are facing our busiest ever winter, with more job losses expected along with a rise in mental health difficulties.

“Every penny raised at this event will go towards supporting those in need at this incredibly difficult time.

“The cost to sign up is £10 and we’ll provide you with a sponsorship pack to raise funds. We’re also offering prizes on the night for the most creative ideas of where to sleep!”

To find out more or to sign up for this event, please email [email protected].