Success for Snooze in the South fundraising event as £8,000 raised to help support projects within Doncaster

Club Doncaster Foundation have raised an incredible £8,000 from the most recent fundraising event, Snooze in the South, in partnership with Doncaster Housing for Young People (DHYP). 

Over 40 people were in attendance at the event on Friday 8th March, to spend the night in the Eco-Power Stadium’s south stand, in aid of raising awareness on what a number of individuals in the local community go through on a daily basis along with the struggles of sleeping rough. 

Those taking part were handed cardboard to sleep on, before bedding down in-between the seats and braving the elements throughout the night. 

Everyone in attendance was provided with a cooked breakfast on Saturday morning, kindly donated by the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), who help support charitable organisations and their work to bridge the gap for the homeless. 

The money raised from the fundraiser, will be split between both the Foundation and DHYP, to continue to support people and a range of projects within the city.

Phoebe Sneddon, Fundraising & Events Officer, spoke about the success of the event: “Snooze in the South was a fantastic event. 

“We had such an incredible group of people who left their home comforts behind to take on the challenge, spend the night sleeping on cardboard in the south stand and face the elements. 

“It was a cold night, with not much sleep, but it was fantastic to see our community come together and raise funds and awareness for such an important cause. 

“We hit our target of £8,000 which is absolutely incredible. The money will allow us to continue delivering programmes within the community and reach out to more areas and support more individuals. 

“A massive thankyou to everyone that took part in the sleep out and donated to the event.”

One fundraiser who took part in the event, Gill Clegg, has been involved in a number of projects delivered by the Foundation. Speaking about getting involved in the fundraiser, she said: "I wanted to help raise awareness of homelessness in Doncaster.

"Until this event, I didn't realise how big of an issue in Doncaster it was. It hit home a little bit for me. 

"It was cold. I didn't get a lot of sleep. It really puts things into perspective, what people are actually going through. 

"Event's like this are worth doing if we can raise some money and awareness to help those in need."

DHYP supports young people who are at risk of homelessness, helping them overcome disadvantage, so that they can fulfil their potential and have a brighter future. The funds raised from the event, will have a huge impact to the young people going forward.

Michele Beck, CEO of DHYP, said: “DHYP are delighted with the money raised by the Snooze in the South event. 

“This is a significant amount of money and will make a huge difference to our young people who are vulnerably housed and/or at risk of homelessness.

“The money will be used to run additional activities for our wellbeing hub every Thursday afternoon and will help improve mental wellbeing alongside reducing social isolation for our people. 

“A big thankyou to our team, all who volunteered, donated and fundraised, Club Doncaster Foundation and the People Focused Group for the brilliant partnership work and opportunity.”

You can continue to help support the Foundation in their vital work within the community, by texting CDF to 70085 to donate £5.

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.