Bolton Wanderers in the Community, in partnership with Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Urban Outreach, are hosting the first ever BWFC Sleepout event at the University of Bolton Stadium this March.
The event will aim to raise funds to support both the club’s official charity and Urban Outreach as they work to support some of the most vulnerable people living in Bolton.
Open to those aged 18 and over, the event will take place pitchside on Friday 10th March and will offer business leaders, BWFC fans and the local community the unique opportunity to spend the night sleeping under the stars at the home of the Wanderers.
Money raised from the BWFC Sleepout will be split between the club’s official charity, Bolton Wanderers in the Community and Urban Outreach.
Bolton Wanderers in the Community deliver projects and initiatives to support children, families and older adults who may be experiencing hardship and multiple disadvantages, exacerbated by the current economic climate.
Urban Outreach deliver services to move homeless people and those who are difficult to house into suitable and sustainable accommodation – so no one has to resort to living on the streets of Bolton at any time.
Speaking on the event Phil Mason, CEO of Bolton Wanderers in the Community said: “We are hoping that this event will help to raise awareness of homelessness in Bolton and to support the vital work that is undertaken in this area.
“I will be taking part in the Sleepout myself and will be joined by the CEO of the club, Neil Hart, who is also making the commitment to join in this great event.
“I would encourage the local businesses, business leaders and BWFC supporters to join me in spending a night out under the stars at the University of Bolton Stadium for this fantastic cause”.
Dave Bagley MBE, CEO of Urban Outreach added “Our ability as a town to be the hands and hearts that hold the hurting is unprecedented and once again it’s our great privilege to be in partnership with the heart of the Borough – Bolton Wanderers in the Community and Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
“Only together can we own the aspiration that no one should be without a home, and we remain committed to seeing a dream fulfilled that no one sleeps rough in our great town of Bolton.
“I will be there and hope to drag a few good friends to raise money and awareness to 'comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable'.”
The BWFC Sleepout is an overnight event that will take place on Friday 10th March from 8pm – 8am. Registration for the event is free and fundraisers are asked to raise a minimum of £200.
This event is open to those aged 18+ and the closing date to sign up is Friday 24th February.
To register your interest, please email Francesca Austen (fausten@bwitc.org.uk) or call 01204 673 790.