Why Leeds family are sleeping in their garden as pandemic hits charity fundraising

The idea is they’ll be fashioned into makeshift shelters, as the family settle outside in their sleeping bags for a night in the garden tomorrow.

Emma, husband Colin and daughters Isabelle and Nancy, aged 12 and 10, are taking part in the ‘Little Sleep In’ to raise money for Leeds-based charity Simon on the Streets.

Residents across West Yorkshire are signed up for the fundraising event, which will see people pitching tents and camping in their gardens in support of the charity, which helps homeless and vulnerable people throughout Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees.

“The children want to sleep under the stars so we’re planning to make shelters out of cardboard to give some coverage and have our sleeping bags in the garden,” she adds, though the family may put up a tent depending on the weather.

“The charity is one that I have supported for some time and I think really this is just something practical we feel we can do to help at this difficult time.

“It’s something different and interesting that we as a family can take part in during this period, something fun for the children, whilst also supporting a good cause and a great charity.

“It’s also about acknowledging that we appreciate the challenges that charities are facing at this time, how hard it is for them to raise money. All of them are really struggling.”

The ‘Little Sleep In’ will be an extension to the charity’s annual sponsored sleepout, where people spend the night under the stars in a city centre location.

“Our sleepouts have raised tens of thousands of pounds in recent years,” says Fahad Khan, development manager at Simon on the Streets.

“We’re hoping to replicate this success with The Little Sleep In, which is already appealing to a wide audience and is an opportunity to have fun and make a genuine difference during the current lockdown.

“As far as we’re aware, it will be the first ever fundraiser of its kind. Participants can sleep anywhere in the home, apart from in their own bed.

“We’re encouraging people to be creative, which is what lots of homeless people have to do every night, so for those that don’t want to camp out, they could even build a den in their lounge to sleep in or spend the night in their garage.”

The charity, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, provides emotional and practical support. Its team are currently out on the streets, working to ensure the most vulnerable can eat and access accommodation.

With the coronavirus pandemic, they are also advising on precautions to try to reduce the risks of contracting the virus and are giving out anti-bacterial products.

“As an independent charity we rely solely on fundraising events, as well as our supporters and corporate sponsors, to survive,” Fahad says. “But nearly everything has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which is having a significant impact on our finances and how we work.

“This all comes at a time when our work is more important than ever, and we are doing all we can to ensure the most vulnerable people in our society stay healthy and alive in these difficult times.”

The event starts at 8pm tomorrow and anyone wanting to participate can download a fundraising pack from www.littlesleepin.co.uk that contains decorative bunting, instructions for building a tent and guidance on creating a JustGiving page for sponsors.

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