10 October 2018

We did it! Thank you to the 350 participants who turned up on 5 October and the thousands of individuals who supported the event. To date, we've raised over £160,000 (including gift aid) and donations are still rolling in.

At this sixth annual event, participants from all walks of life came together to sleep out under the stars. From eleven year olds to octogenarians, pregnant women to priests, companies to canines -- everyone came together to raise awareness of homelessness and funds to sustain and grow Glass Door's emergency winter night shelters.

May Wong, above with Miss Darcy and George. Photo credit: Instagram @missdarcysadventures 

Sleep Out participant May Wong said,

It was an experience that humbled us. It was uplifting to see how many came together in an effort to help give the homeless a chance to be out of the cold in the coming months.

You keep us going

Thanks to the funds raised, Glass Door will be able to open night shelters in four London boroughs (Richmond, Wandsworth, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Kensington & Chelsea) for the entire winter. Seven years ago, Glass Door sheltered 35 guests a night in winter. The charity now will be able to offer shelter to at least 130 individuals every night this coming winter, in part due to the success of this annual event. 

Lucy Abraham with Councillor Marie-Therese Rossi, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Chief Operating Officer, Lucy Abraham says: 

This event shows that there is a strong will from the community to support those affected by homelessness. We will continue to do all we can to get people off the streets, and with the help of everyone who took part and supported the event, we will be able to keep our services free and open for those in need of shelter and support.

For two years in a row, 100% of respondents to our survey said they would do the Sleep Out again. Many of the participants have done the Sleep Out for several years, while others took part for the first time. Participants stated the thing they most liked about the Sleep Out was the atmosphere and camaraderie.

Thank you

Special mention is due our friends at Cadogan Estates for being the primary sponsor of the event and making it all possible. Westgreen construction company provided use of their offices, porta-loos and the hot beverage station. Pret Foundation provided waters, fruit and vegan snacks. Partridges Food Market once again provided well-loved hot breakfast sandwiches in the morning. Round Hill Capital sponsored our banners. Silks PR provided publicity support. Showtime Events London donated the selfie station. Photographer Franc Vissers once again donated his time and talent.

We can not thank all our sponsors, participants and supporters enough for their generosity and support.

More photos can be found on the Facebook Sleep Out album.

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