Following the success of the Molineux Sleepout, which raised money for the Wolves Foundation and Good Shepherd, participants who braved the conditions in the Stan Cullis Stand have had their say.
One of the beauties of the event is how so many people from different backgrounds and with different motivations come together to do their bit to help people from the city experiencing homelessness and poverty.
So far almost £55,000 has been raised to be shared between the Foundation and Good Shepherd’s vital work in the community, but the fundraising will continue until the end of the year.
Here are a few thoughts of those who endured a night of strong winds and driving rain at the fifth Molineux Sleepout:
Amy, Elisha and Olivia
“We wanted to help people within the city and make a difference. We understand the problems that people are facing and just wanted to do our little bit to help. We work with ex-offenders who are on license and see a lot of homeless people coming to us for support. A lot of people we work with use the Good Shepherd for food, so we wanted to give back to the cause that help them so much.
“This is the first time we have done the Sleepout and all the people and the staff were amazing in making it all so welcoming. We came prepared with our sleeping bags and all the cardboard but not everyone on the streets has access to that and we’ve still struggled. It’s a real eye-opener.”
Chris Cooper
“I support the Sleepout because I know what it is like to go without. About 30 years ago I found myself sleeping on the streets for a few days after coming out of a bad relationship. Now I have everything possible. I have a great partner in Rita, and I try to do as much charity work as possible and raise money. By raising a few quid, we can put a meal on the table for someone or help families that are struggling.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to support the Sleepout and it’s definitely something I would recommend. It’s such an important cause but it's also an event where I have made new friends, year after year. It’s all about trying to make a difference.”
John Price (AKA Jack Sparra)
“The collaboration between the Good Shepherd and the Foundation shows the power of what happens when people come together. The Good Shepherd is just over 50 years old and, 49 years ago, I was one of their first customers. I was 13, I’d run away from home, I was living in an empty house, and they saved my life. When I reached the age of 50, when you have a bit more time and hopefully a few quid, I decided to go back and help them out. I’ve now been volunteering there for 13 years.
“I think the Sleepout gives you that goosebumps feeling when you turn up on the car park and see everyone getting ready. I think one of the great things about Wolverhampton is that so many people want to do the right thing and help people out. I promise you - do the right thing and the right thing will happen to you – because that is what happened to me.”
Manny Singh Kang
“We see the real problem of homelessness wherever we go now in a lot of cities. The Molineux Sleepout is a way we can give back because a lot of the time people don’t know how to help someone who is homeless. Luckily, we have the Foundation and Good Shepherd, two big organisations doing great things in such close proximity to each other. This is a tough night for people but in a way it’s actually a simple act to turn up and make your presence known. It raises a great amount of money but also awareness of the problem that we have in our city. It’s an event that has grown every year and while there have been some really distinguished guests coming along, we’re all on an equal footing in having one uncomfortable night sleeping outside.
“I would always say to people considering the Molineux Sleepout, just do it. Even if you do it alone you will meet people who will become friends because you are doing something really special together. Buy the ticket and go for it – because by taking part you are making a difference.”
Sarah and son Finlay
“This is our first Sleepout. It’s a good thing that Finlay, who is 13, realises that other people aren’t as fortunate as we are. This is just a snapshot, sleeping out for one night, to see what people are going through. It’s all about doing what we can to help, and we often pop food in the collection boxes for the Good Shepherd at Sainsbury’s. The Sleepout challenges us to put our feet in the shoes of homeless people but for one night only and we get to go home in the morning. It also shows it’s important to appreciate what we have and not moan about the little things that don’t matter.”
Siobhan and Kieron from St Thomas More Catholic School
“We came for the first time last year and had four staff and a past pupil. And this year we have eight staff taking part, three past pupils and two sixth formers. So, we have grown in numbers while having great support with fundraising from our parish community, families and everyone at school. Being able to talk about what we are doing has broadened the horizons of our pupils and highlighted things like social justice with people having to sleep rough. It’s also an event which really encourages a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. Everyone is doing their bit and getting on together.
“At school we have had a number of students approaching staff to say good luck and others wanting to get involved next year. It creates a sense of community throughout school and it’s also important that we are supporting two local Wolverhampton charities, helping people on our doorstep. We have supported the Good Shepherd in various ways over many years including making donations and funding their Christmas meals, and Brother Charles is a regular visitor to school.”
Steve and daughter Summer
“We both feel that the issue of homelessness is one which needs to be supported. Summer is the inspiration, and it’s really nice for someone younger to be thinking of other people. We are both big Wolves fans and it’s always good to hear what the Foundation is doing out in the community.
“Listening to the stories from the Good Shepherd earlier, I was actually filling up, most of us are so lucky to never be in that situation. It’s so sad that some people have nowhere to sleep and we would love to take that away from them if we could. This event is about either taking part or, if not, digging deep to support people that are. Let’s get as many people off the streets as we can.”
The fundraising page for the Molineux Sleepout is still open if you would like to add a donation to support the work of Wolves Foundation and the Good Shepherd. Click here for the link.
