145 islanders came together at Pier Road Car Park on Friday night for the Sanctuary Trust Sleep Out, the charity’s flagship annual fundraising event, supported by Skipton International.
Participants gave up their beds for one night to raise vital funds and awareness for men experiencing homelessness in Jersey. The event has so far raised over £41,500, with donations still coming in.
Tim Ringsdore, Chair of Sanctuary Trust said: “Witnessing so many people come together on Friday night was truly humbling. Each person who braved the cold did more than take part, they sent a message of hope to those in our island community who have no place to call home. Your support reminds them they are not forgotten. Alongside other incredible charities, we fight every day to keep people off the streets, to give them safety, dignity, and a chance to rebuild their lives. I am deeply grateful to our Sanctuary Trust team, who work tirelessly, 24/7, to turn despair into hope. Together, we are changing lives.”
This year’s event featured acoustic music from Vini Jones from Grace Trust, who performed a song written especially for Sanctuary Trust. Beresford Street Kitchen provided hot soup in the evening and breakfast pastries in the morning.
Many individuals from across the island community took part, as well as teams from HSBC, Channel Islands Co-op, Government of Jersey, Viberts, Randalls, Andium Homes, Jersey RFC Women, Pathways, and more.
Funds raised will directly help provide accommodation and tailored support for men experiencing homelessness, alongside outreach and counselling services that help people rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Sarah Tumelty, CEO of Sanctuary Trust said: “Trying to sleep on the cold, hard floor of a car park with the lights on and constant noise throughout the night is not easy, but everyone taking part knows that it is a fundraiser and that they’ll be able to go home in the morning.
“The people we support at Sanctuary haven’t always had that privilege, and attending the Sleep Out is a powerful reminder of that. It’s a reminder of why we must keep raising awareness and funds. No one in our island community should have to spend even one night in a car park, and that means making sure the right services and support are there when people need them.”
All pictures: Credit Max Young
