The 2018 Big Sleep Leeds, which takes place on Thursday 29th November at Emerald Headingley to raise money for vulnerable people in Leeds, has been given another boost with the news that Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Chairman Phil Caplan has signed up for the event.
Caplan will join volunteers from Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St Gemma’s Hospice and St George’s Crypt as well as Yorkshire Evening Post editor Hannah Thaxter and Leeds Rhinos head of operations, Sue Ward, in sleeping a night on the Carnegie Terrace at Emerald Headingley Stadium, to raise money for vulnerable people in Leeds.
This year, the event is aiming to raise £30,000, which will go towards directly supporting the people who Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St Gemma’s Hospice and St George’s Crypt support.
Caplan was part of the team that took part in last year’s CEO Sleepout, which raised £20,000 for charity and he is encouraging people to get behind the event by making a donation or joining in the Big Sleep.
“The group taking part is making a very small sacrifice to highlight issues we are passionately concerned about,” said Caplan.
“The three organisations who stand to benefit from the fundraising do a fantastic job in the community with some of the most deprived, disadvantaged and dispossessed. Helping and highlighting their plight is the least we can do, and any support will be massively appreciated.”
Money raised from the Leeds Big Sleep will support projects run by Leeds Rhinos Foundation along with St Gemma’s Hospice, which provides expert care and support for local people with life-limiting illnesses and St Georges Crypt in their work to look after the homeless by providing basic needs, such as food, water and shelter.
Gareth Cook, head of community and engagement at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said: “I would like to thank Phil for signing up to brave the cold weather at this year’s Leeds Big Sleep 2018.
“To have the support from the Chairman of Leeds Rhinos Foundation reinforces the willingness for our trustees to raise valuable funds for vulnerable people in Leeds. Phil is very passionate about the work we deliver and has advocated our ground-breaking efforts this year. We are encouraging the board of trustees to support Phil’s fundraising efforts along with his colleagues in journalism.”
To sign up or to donate to the Big Sleep Leeds 2018, go to https://mydonate.bt.com/events/2018leedsbigsleep.
If you want more information about the event, email gailc@st-gemma.co.uk