Call for Sponsors as the Mayor Joins the Launchpad Big Sleep Out

THE Mayor of Reading will be taking part in Launchpad Reading’s Big Sleep Out this Friday (31st August) and is asking for the town’s support.

Cllr Deborah Edwards will be spending a night under the stars to help raise awareness of homelessness and is asking the people of Reading to get behind her with sponsorship. Homelessness charity Launchpad is one of the Mayor’s chosen charities and it stages the Big Sleep Out every year to raise money and awareness of rough sleeping People sign up every autumn to spend one night outside with just cardboard and a sleeping bag for comfort in the grounds of Queen Anne’s School in Caversham. About 120 people raised more than £40,000 last year which was used to support some of Reading’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged people. The money helps to prevent homelessness in the winter months when rough sleeping becomes even more dangerous.

Mayor Cllr Edwards said:

“The Launchpad Big Sleep Out gives people a taste of what it is like to spend a night out in the elements with minimal shelter. “I will head back to a nice warm house the next morning but there are many people who do not have that option and there are many others who are living in unsuitable accommodation or spending night after night sleeping on sofas. “The money raised from the Big Sleep Out will help Launchpad support vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals through the winter so any amount of sponsorship people can give me through the Mayor’s charity fund page would be hugely appreciated.” You can sponsor the Mayor on her Big Sleep Out by going to: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Mayor-of-Reading-Charity-Fund. If people mention Big Sleep Out in the comment section when making their donation, their contribution will go to Launchpad. The Mayor’s other chosen charities this year are Berkshire West Your Way, Berkshire Women’s Aid and YMCA Reading. More information about the Launchpad Reading Big Sleep Out can be found at: http://www.launchpadreading.org.uk/get-involved/our-events/big-sleep-out/