Cold feet, warm hearts

Published on: 14th April 2016

Teessiders who brave the cold weather to sleep rough for a night have now helped raise £87,000 to fight local poverty and homelessness, following the latest Big Tees Sleepout.
A total of 55 hardy souls spent a night sleeping rough outside Middlesbrough College in the latest event, raising £8,000.
It was the seventh time in three years Teessiders have given up the comfort of their warm beds to take to the streets to raise awareness of poverty and homelessness that remains rife across the region.
Among the fundraisers was Will Forbes, from Middlesbrough, who has taken part in all but one of the sleepouts.
Nearly 700 people have taken part in the various events.
Among the causes to benefit from the fundraising are local food banks and homeless hostels, the Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal and the Stockton-based Moses Project that puts on lunch for addicts, homeless and struggling families.
Organisers Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation are already encouraging people to sign up for the eighth Big Tees Sleepout on Friday, November 18.
To sign up, visit www.bigteessidesleepout.co.uk and start fundraising via the justgiving link. Participants must be aged 16+ and must register online in advance.