On Friday 5th February 2021, Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St George’s Crypt and St Gemma’s Hospice will once again partner together to raise much-needed funds for vulnerable communities with the Leeds Big Sleep… this time with a slight difference!
The annual sleepout has previously taken place at Emerald Headingley Stadium, but restrictions enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted organisers to make it a virtual event this year instead- The Leeds Big Sleep In!
Therefore, fans are encouraged to get involved from home by giving up a night of comfort in their bed and sleeping in one the most unusual, uncomfortable places they can find.
Whether it’s sleeping on the kitchen floor, camping out in the garden or even spending the night tucked up in the garage, supporters are encouraged to be creative in where they chose to sleep. The only requirement is that participants must follow appropriate social distancing measures and the latest government guidelines.
A whole host of virtual entertainment will be broadcast throughout the evening for participants to enjoy, whilst selfies can be shared on social media using the hashtag #LeedsBigSleepIn.
Gareth Cook, Head of Community and Engagement for Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said: “Despite the current restrictions, we are delighted to still be able to run the Leeds Big Sleep event, albeit with a twist.
“The impact of the coronavirus pandemic means that the work of charities to raise funds and support our city’s most vulnerable people has never been more needed. There’s no age limit this year, so the whole family can get involved to support this important cause.
“We want people to be as creative as they can with where they sleep and we’re looking forward to everyone joining us on February 5th for this virtual sleepout with our wonderful partners at St Georges Crypt and St Gemma’s Hospice.”
Chris Fields, CEO of St George’s Crypt, said: “It is great to see the Leeds Big Sleep in its fourth year. It has been incredibly successful and has really shown the generosity that businesses and the people of Leeds have for three local charities supporting vulnerable people; long may it continue.”
Gail Chapman, Head of Fundraising at St Gemma’s Hospice, said: “The Leeds Big Sleep In is a great idea to raise funds for the three charities whilst we have restrictions on how we can fundraise. The Hospice is very proud to work alongside both St George’s Crypt and Leeds Rhinos Foundation, who are all working hard to help people in need throughout our city.”
Launched in 2017, the Leeds Big Sleep has enjoyed huge success in raising money for some of the city’s most vulnerable people. More than £56,000 was raised by last year’s sleepout alone, which led to the three charities being shortlisted for the Fundraising Partnership of the Year Award at the 2020 Institute of Fundraising (IoF) Yorkshire Awards.
All proceeds from the Leeds Big Sleep In will be split equally between Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St George’s Crypt and St Gemma’s Hospice and all fundraisers will receive a limited-edition pin badge.
To register your place for the Leeds Big Sleep In, visit http://bit.ly/LeedsBigSleepIn. Please note that a £5 registration fee applies.
Click HERE to download a brochure for the 2021 Leeds Big Sleep In.
For more information, please contact tracey.mearns@leedsrhinosfoundation.org
