Snooze in the South event a success once again, as Club Doncaster Foundation continue to raise awareness of homelessness in Doncaster and nationwide

Earlier this year, staff members and fundraisers bedded down in the Eco-Power Stadium, to raise vital money and awareness for homelessness in Doncaster and nationwide. 

We are pleased to say, Club Doncaster Foundation have raised an incredible £7005.25 from the annual fundraising event, Snooze in the South, with 25% of the funds raised, going towards national charity, Shelter.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing and homelessness through their advice, support and legal services.

Over 40 people came together on Friday 21st March, arriving at the South Stand, to spend the night in the stands and brave the elements throughout the night. 

Ellie Tomlin, Regional Community Fundraiser in Yorkshire for national charity Shelter, spoke to staff and participants about the work they do nationwide and what the money raised will do to support their mission in tackling homelessness. 

The Foundation’s Women & Girls Ambassador and current WBO female lightweight champion, Terri Harper dropped in to visit those in attendance too.

Those taking part were given cardboard to sleep on, to set up their bed for the night, inbetween the seats in the stands.

The following morning, the Rapid Relief Team were on hand to provide a cooked breakfast to those involved, who help support charitable organisations and their work to bridge the gap for the homeless.

Ellie, from national charity Shelter spoke of how proud she was to attend and see the event in full swing: “It’s just amazing, we’re so grateful that the Foundation chose to work with us for the event. 

“It’s been fantastic to come along and see how much hard work has been put in and what a brilliant event has been put on. 

“The funds raised will go towards supporting people that are homeless. We do a lot of advice and support, we have support workers to support people alongside lots of campaigning. 

“It will just support us to help those who are already homeless and hopefully end the housing emergency. 

“We do see homelessness but unfortunately we see it at such a high level, it does become a bit invisible, so events like this where it gives people the opportunity to put themselves in that person’s shoes, even just for the night to understand some of what they’re facing, it just helps people get on board with what we’re raising money for.”

One attendee on the night was MP, Lee Pitcher, who spoke about how the topic is close to his heart. “It’s an incredible event. For me, it has really personal reasons as well. 

“When I was younger, about 15 years old, my mum, sister and I lost our home. One day it was there, the next day, it wasn’t. We didn’t come back to it and that meant for the next 15 or so months, we sofa surfed, we found new friends who took us in and supported us. It also meant the 3 of us had nothing left at all. 

“I really feel what it means to people and why it’s important we do things to help support those who are in the same situation. 

“That happened 30+ years ago and I still feel it now. Seeing what these people go through, I know how much it hurts. You feel alone, isolated, I felt like I couldn’t talk to anybody else about it. 

“That’s why events like this, showing people out there that are in that situation, that we’ve got people here that do care, that we’re listening and we want to make it better for them, it just gives people some hope.”

Fundraising & Events Officer, Phoebe Sneddon, was pleased with the success of the event once again: “We always have such fantastic support on our Snooze in the South event, not just from those who attend and fundraise, but to those who donate in the lead to the event, on the night and after. 

“Partnering up with Shelter for this year, means we can help support the work they do and raise even more awareness, not just about homelessness in Doncaster, but nationwide too. 

“It’s always such an eye-opening event for those who take part and it makes you realise how fortunate we are, when people are having to do this every single day. 

“We’ve seen first hand, how the funds raised, help support those within Doncaster, through our recent Christmas campaign, so the money raised from this event will continue to support those who need it the most.

“A huge thankyou to those who supported the event, the organisations we partnered with for this and everyone who got involved in some way on the evening.”

Want to continue to help support the work the Foundation do in the local community and beyond? You can donate to the Foundation here.

To keep up to date with all of the upcoming fundraising events or interested in fundraising for the Foundation as part of an event, please contact Phoebe.sneddon@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk or alternatively, keep an eye on our social media channels.