WORCESTER Warriors owners Jason Whittingham and Colin Goldring will be taking part in the Big Worcester Sleep Out at Sixways.
Goldring helped to launch the event at Sixways earlier this year and Whittingham has now also signed up to join 100 volunteers, including politicians and business people, in spending a night sleeping out under the stars on Thursday (April 4) night to raise around £65,000 for three homeless charities – the Warriors Community Foundation Homeless Rugby Team, Maggs Day Centre and St Paul’s Hostel.
“Homelessness is a major problem not just in Worcester but throughout the UK. According to Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity, there were some 320,000 homeless people in the UK in 2018 which, despite Government pledges to reduce the number, was a four per cent increase on the previous year,” Whittingham said.
“At Warriors we are very closely linked with our community and we are very proud of the work that is being done, to raise awareness and funds for this cause, by our Warriors Community Foundation.
“Through supporting the UK’s first homeless rugby team we have been able to have a positive impact on the lives of a significant number of homeless people, helping them find work and accommodation, restoring their confidence and providing them with an important support network
“But there is much more work to be done. The Big Worcester Sleep Out will raise vital funds to support the work that the three charities do in combating homelessness and it will also help to raise public awareness of homelessness.”
Mr Whittingham said he was hugely encouraged to see people from all walks of life had signed up and confessed he felt apprehensive about what the evening weather would bring.
“Apprehension about just one night can be nothing compared to those who, night after night, have little or no choice on where they have to sleep. We, at least, know that there will be a warm breakfast awaiting us but for the homeless, there is no such certainty.
“By supporting the Big Worcester Sleep Out you will be helping us to help homeless people in Worcestershire,” he added.
Visit www.worcestersleepout.co.uk for more.
