The Stadium of Light Sleep Out was a roaring success for Centrepoint and the Foundation of Light as just under £30,000 was raised for the homeless charity.
Sunderland AFC supported the initiative, with under-23 duo Connor Slack and Kane Evans enduring the harsh wintery conditions inside the Stadium of Light concourses alongside 300 fundraisers from 7pm ‘til 6am.
Speaking about his involvement, Slack said: “To take part was a privilege and I am so glad I was able to help such a worthy cause.
“I have been fortunate to grow up in a supportive family, so I have never had to worry about being homeless.”
Evans added: “The event has really opened my eyes up and made me determined to do my bit to help the homeless.
“This event has been a huge success and I am proud to have been a part of it.”
Sunderland support Natalie Phillips, who has appeared in Geordie Shore, also took part in Sleep Out 2019 for the first time.
She said: “As soon as I heard about the event, I knew that I wanted to support it.
“It isn’t only about the money we raise, but the exposure the event will have on the area so that there can be a growing awareness of homelessness in the north east.
Jemma Dowson, Head of Events at the Foundation of Light, who took part in the event for the fifth year in a row, added: “The event at the stadium has really smashed all of our expectations.
“To see so many people come out and support this great cause was very heart-warming.
“It was great to see the football club, the Foundation and Centrepoint come together to help give support to the growing amount of homeless people in our region.”
The event leader from Centrepoint, Jess Sullivan confirmed that the event was the biggest they have hosted, and she was delighted to see so many people come out in support of the charity.
“This is the biggest event we have seen in the north east and all the regions we work in," she said.
“We have raised nearly £30,000 and this is the first event that we have fully sold out which is just fantastic.
“The best thing about the event has been the amount of young people here and it just shows the caring nature of the people in this region.”
