The Good Shepherd have expressed their thanks and appreciation to everyone who took part in the Molineux Sleepout and to Wolves Foundation for organising the successful event.
The return of the ‘in-person’ sleepout after last year’s event went virtual due to the pandemic saw over 100 supporters spend a night under the stars in their sleeping bags and cardboard in the Stan Cullis Stand back in November.
The incredible fundraising total of over £50,000 will be shared between the Foundation and the Good Shepherd charity, contributing to projects helping those who have suffered from homelessness and poverty across the Wolverhampton area.
This year’s total means that approximately £115,000 has now been raised over the three years of the Molineux Sleepout.
“The first sleepout back in 2019 was such a fantastic event that we thought it was going to be a challenge to match it this year, especially when the 2020 sleepout had to go ‘virtual’ due to the pandemic,” said head of Wolves Foundation, Will Clowes.
“But once again Wolves fans and the community as a whole came out in their numbers to support the initiative and raise this incredible total which will make such a difference to the people of Wolverhampton.
“Whether people slept out in what was a cold and windy night, whether they donated or whether they helped share details of the event and spread the word, it was another ‘One Pack’ team effort which made it such a success.
“There was another fantastic atmosphere on the night with everyone sharing a common goal to work together and raise funds for projects which will help those who need support in our local community.
“We’re already looking forward to 2022’s event, and are planning to see the Sleepout return even bigger and better next year.”
Several special guests were again in attendance taking part this year including Wolves Foundation ambassadors Karl Henry and Johnny Phillips, Wolverhampton Mayor Councillor Greg Brackenridge, local MP Stuart Anderson, former club secretary Richard Skirrow, current general manager Vinny Clark and HR Director Zoe Brough, and Wolves Women manager Dan McNamara.
Many other Foundation and club staff took part or volunteered and also showing support were Wolves Foundation ambassador Anna Price and other members of the Wolves Women squad, Good Shepherd ambassadors Carl Ikeme and Natalie Graham, and former Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray.
In a series of on-stage interviews before everyone settled to try and get some sleep, Wolves TV presenter Gemma Frith spoke to several of the guests including Matthew Waterhouse, an ex-addict and rough sleeper who is one of those people who would be supported by projects run by the charities.
“It was another really inspirational event which not only raised so much funding and awareness but also showed just how much the people of Wolverhampton care and want to support each other especially at such a difficult time,” said Good Shepherd CEO Tom Hayden.
“It was great to listen to Matt speak on the night – at the start of the pandemic he was in a very different place to where he is now – and there are many more like him who will have an opportunity to move forward in their lives thanks to the funding raised from the Sleepout.
“We remain so appreciative of the relationship the Good Shepherd enjoys with the Wolves Foundation, not just in linking together for the Sleepout but also with other projects which are benefitting local people.
“We just want to say another big thank you both to the Foundation and everyone who took part on the night or made a donation towards a total that will genuinely change people’s lives as we head into 2022.”
*Tom and Good Shepherd’s Admin/Finance Manager Helen Holloway are pictured with Will and the Foundation’s Education & Skills Manager Jonathan Warburton.
PICTURE COURTESY WOLVES FOUNDATION