The Albion Foundation have raised over £15,000 through its Sleep Out event at The Hawthorns, which took place last Friday.
The popular event returned for its fourth consecutive year, and welcomed just shy of 100 participants for a night in the Smethwick End.
Jayne Norton, events & partnerships coordinator at the Foundation believes it was a great opportunity to “engage with the community.”
She said: “We’re here to raise awareness of homelessness and also raise vital funds for The Albion Foundation. It’s been really good so far, everyone’s really engaged in the activities and it’s been really positive.
“Nights like these are really good to engage with the community, to show everyone what we’re about as a Foundation. We’ve got some of our patrons and partners here, local school pupils and lots of West Bromwich Albion fans who are keen to support the Foundation.
“They bring funds in to allow us to continue some of our projects, and we’re incredibly grateful.”
Participants of all ages were welcomed to the Shrine in an effort to raise money for the Foundation’s community work in Sandwell – including Eaton Valley Primary School.
“We’ve brought 16 children and five teachers to the Sleep Out this evening,” headteacher Miss Evans said. “Charity is really important to us at Eaton Valley, we have numerous charity days throughout the year.
“When we heard about the Foundation Sleep Out a few years ago, we thought it would be a good idea for our year six pupils to come and raise money for charity.”
The children weren’t the only ones impressed, as other participants also took time to comment on a successful evening for the Foundation.
“It’s a good cause really,” one participant said. “I’ve got my grandchildren here with me as well, and it’s really humbling to experience what some do everyday.
“We’re fortunate that we only have to do it for one night. It’s something everybody should try at least once.”
“It’s a really unique event, with other clubs we don’t get this opportunity,” another said. “It’s a really interesting event.”
We'd like to thank Hayden Tye, Rebaz Freestyle, Jonny Cole, Mahirs Experience, Mercure, International Tyres, Pukka Pies, 3Recruit, Lloyds Transport & Warehousing, Sheldon & Clayton, Allways and Altegra for their support ing this event.
