Thousands raised through Windsor Sleep Out fundraiser

Fundraisers bedded down for the night at Windsor and Eton Football Club to support the Windsor Homeless Project’s annual Sleep Out.

The event is the charity’s biggest of the year and raises thousands of pounds to support the group’s work supporting homeless and vulnerable people in the community.

A special donation of £10,000 from St John’s Beaumont Preparatory School in Old Windsor gave this year’s fundraising total a significant boost.

Nick Roberts, manager at the Windsor Homeless Project, said: “St John’s Beaumont have been supporting us for quite some time and we’ve done numerous things there with the students so it’s really nice to know that the parents’ association and the school have thought of us and put that amount up.

“That was fantastic.”

The evening saw guests share personal stories of how the Windsor Homeless Project has helped and supported them through tough times.

The Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead, councillor Neil Knowles, also attended the event to show his support.

A total of about 30 people spent the night sleeping either at the football club or elsewhere including in the back garden at home and fundraising.   

Nick told the Express that donations to the charity are ‘crucial’ given the current economic climate and cost-of-living crisis.

He said referrals to the charity have increased by 50 per cent over the past two months.

More than £25,000 has been raised from the Sleep Out so far this year with money set to help with the day-to-day running of the charity, which is currently based at the Holy Trinity Garrison Church.

The charity serves hot meals there for the homeless community four times a week and also works on a number of other projects which help provide mental health support Windsor Homeless Project is hoping to move to a new home at 73a Alma Road in December.

The base, which will be overseen by Windsor Christian Action, aims to operate as a hub for the homeless project, Windsor Foodshare and Windsor Street Angels.

The facility will include a fully working kitchen, community café and educational and rehabilitation services.

Donations are still being accepted for this year’s Sleep Out to try and reach the fundraising goal of £50,000.

Visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/whpsleepout2023 to donate.

Nick's own fundraiser has also raised more than £2,600. To view and donate to his fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/nick-roberts-1694539449726?utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_transactional_--_donation_received_--_nth_donation&utm_content=ca93daae-4318-46ff-9bc1-a8c897937df1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=postoffice&utm_term=1694644630591&fbclid=IwAR3plmotL5iVAQB7s4aH7LqsdgMweku0lDhFNtTEC949xw5kmQ_ZS6ewow4