The total raised from six years of the Molineux Sleepout, helping improve the lives of people across the city, has broken the quarter-of-a-million pounds barrier thanks to the funds raised from Friday night’s event.
The Stan Cullis Stand played host to 170 participants for this year’s Sleepout, putting themselves through a cold and uncomfortable night to raise awareness and funds to support the vital work of Wolves Foundation and the Good Shepherd charities.
Fundraising is still open for the event, but it is already sufficient to have passed through the significant £250,000 landmark which has been raised since the first Sleepout, which took place back in 2019.
“This year’s Molineux Sleepout was another fantastic event with so many people coming together to give up their time and home comforts to put themselves through an uncomfortable night to help and support others,” said Head of Wolves Foundation Will Clowes.
“To have reached that £250,000 funding milestone from the six Sleepouts to date is an incredible amount of money, which has gone so far in providing such a positive impact across our communities on a daily basis.
“I just want to thank each and every person who supported whether by taking part, helping on the night or making a donation.
“This powerful collective impact is genuinely appreciated by everyone connected with the event, and every penny and pound raised will go straight to the two charities to deliver their work where it is most needed.”
Tom Hayden, CEO at the Good Shepherd, added: “It never fails to amaze me how the city continues to come together behind two such important causes which play such positives roles out and about in the community.
“We are extremely grateful both to our friends at Wolves Foundation for once again involving us in the Molineux Sleepout, as well as everyone who braved a cold night in the stands, made a donation or shared their experiences of homelessness.
“It has all combined to help reach such a fantastic milestone, and all the funds we receive will go towards our projects in Wolverhampton including our street homeless outreach and support service.”
Work from the Good Shepherd’s art group produced by people going through different Recovery journeys was on show at the event, while artist Matt Lloyd created a live piece of artwork with a fantastic painting of Chapel Ash during the evening.
Foundation ambassador Johnny Phillips hosted the on-stage formalities of the evening, which also included contributions from fellow ambassador Amber Sandhu, the Mayor – Councillor Linda Leach, Leader of Wolverhampton Council Councillor Stephen Simkins, Good Shepherd trainee key worker Donna Grosvenor and volunteer John Price.
Wolves legend and club Vice-President John Richards also took to the stage to congratulate all who were taking part.
“I just love the fact that so many people are willing to come together to create so much good,” said the former striker.
“It amazes me how much incredible work these two charities deliver out and about in the community and, as former players, we are always keen to be very much involved in supporting when we can.”
Others attending on the night included Wolves director John Bowater, former Wolves club secretary and current Foundation trustee Richard Skirrow, other Foundation ambassadors Mitch Lane and S-X, former Wolves goalkeeper and Good Shepherd ambassador Carl Ikeme, and other Good Shepherd ambassadors Jack Kirwan, Jaki Graham and Natalie Graham.
One of the furthest who travelled for the event was Trevor Worth, from Plymouth, who attended the Sleepout with son Alex.
Trevor, the MD with Plymouth law firm Portcullis Legals, has been both a Plymouth and Wolves fan since the early 1970s, and was at the Sleepout with Wolves supporters Keith Bird and his son Matt, who they sit next to on matchdays in the Stan Cullis Stand.
“With Portcullis, we are partners with Plymouth Argyle and help organise their sleepout with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, so, especially as a Wolves fan as well, it’s been great to come up and see how this one is delivered,” said Trevor.
“It’s good to share ideas and best practice and the Molineux Sleepout is run fantastically well.
“Not only that, but I’ve been a Wolves fan since 1973, so to get to meet John Richards, my all-time hero, was incredible!
“As well as supporting such great charities, there has also been a great atmosphere, which we’ve really enjoyed being a part of.”
The Foundation would also like to thank all who gave support to the event including Wolves Head Chef Luke Hitchens and Levy UK, Pukka Pies, Bostin Coffee and the stewards and Molineux security team.
The fundraising page is still open if anyone would like to make a donation: https://bit.ly/GS-Sleepout