All funds raised will be shared between Wolves Foundation projects including the Feed Our Pack project to alleviate food poverty and the Good Shepherd, the charity situated opposite Molineux which provides food and a range of support services for those in need from the local community.
The first ever Molineux sleepout in 2019 proved an inspirational experience for all who took part, and raised a fantastic £50,000 between the two charities.
With restrictions associated with the pandemic in place last year, the sleepout went ‘virtual’ with participants encouraged to sleep in their gardens or set up camp indoors away from their beds with another £13,000 raised.
Now though is it back to Molineux on the evening of Friday, November 12th, with the sleepout running from 7pm-7am.
“The Molineux sleepout has become such an important event over the last couple of years, both with raising funds and also awareness of supporting the homeless and vulnerable from the local community,” says Demi Grundy, communications & fundraising manager with Wolves Foundation.
“The first year in particular, when everyone was able to be together at Molineux, was particularly powerful in giving people a one-off experience of what it is like to spend a night outdoors.
“At the end of the event everyone was able to return home to a warm house and refreshments whereas for a lot of people, we know those sort of home comforts are not available.
“Being back at Molineux which hopefully ensure another successful event to support the work of Wolves Foundation and the Good Shepherd, and the sense of community which the sleepout has previously inspired is always fantastic to see.”
A number of Foundation ambassadors have already pledged to take part in the event, former Wolves captain Karl Henry having done so on both previous occasions.
“I remember it being a very cold and wet night when we did the first sleepout a couple of years ago but also such a worthwhile experience to raise vital funds and awareness,” says Karl.
“There is such a strong community spirit in Wolverhampton where people are always ready to help each other and I am sure there will be another fantastic turnout as we return to Molineux.
“Wolves Foundation and the Good Shepherd carry out so many hugely important projects to the benefit of the city and by taking part in the sleepout we can show our support and help those within Wolverhampton who need it most.”
Sky Sports TV presenter Johnny Phillips and former Great Britain Paralympic team captain Jack Rutter are also planning to show their support and bed down for the night.
“The Molineux sleepout shines a light on those who struggle in our community,” says Johnny.
“Rough sleeping is sadly on the rise, with a 94% increase in the past ten years.
“Food banks have become the upsetting norm and are a vital resource helping society’s most vulnerable, and by raising funds for the amazing Good Shepherd and Wolves Foundation, we can directly help.
“The sleepout event and the awareness it raises is thanks to the hard work of so many people at the Wolves Foundation and the fans who support it each year, so please get involved if you can.”
Jack adds: “It remains a huge privilege for me to be an ambassador of Wolves Foundation and over the last year I have really enjoyed getting involved with different projects on a 'virtual' basis.
“But now, I am really excited about the opportunity to take part in a really important and exciting event at Molineux and give my support to such a vital cause.
“We have all seen how a lot of people have gone through difficult times during the pandemic and by taking part in the Molineux sleepout we can all do our bit to raise funds and awareness and show our support for the vulnerable within the local community.”
The Good Shepherd are extremely appreciative of the backing they receive both from the Foundation and from supporters who take part.
Tom Hayden, head of operations at the Good Shepherd, says: "We are both delighted and hugely grateful to Wolves Foundation for the opportunity to link up once again for the third Molineux sleepout.
"It is such an important event which highlights not only the need to support vulnerable members of our society but also the fantastic community spirit in Wolverhampton where so many people want to help.
"We know how tough the pandemic has been for so many people - and still is - and at the Good Shepherd we are proud that we have been able to stay open throughout, providing food and support services to those who need us.
"There have actually been some remarkable success stories of people who have managed to make substantial positive changes to their lives over these last 18 months and that has only been possible thanks to the incredible generosity of the local community and partnerships with organisations such as the Wolves Foundation.
"We look forward to another successful event to help the Foundation and the Good Shepherd continue with their important work right across the city."
- Entry for the sleepout is £35 per person with participants encouraged to raise a minimum £150 fundraising with all proceeds being shared between Wolves Foundation and the Good Shepherd. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKET and here to view or sign up to the fundraising page.
Although it is not currently compulsory for event attendees to have had the Covid-19 vaccine, Wolves Foundation will adhere to advised government guidelines and will update any attendees of any changes to Covid regulations where required. To protect the safety of others, all attendees are asked to complete a lateral flow test if possible and provide a negative result on arrival to the event.
Click here to purchase tickets | Click here to donate via JustGiving
