Mayor to sleep under the stars for Shrewsbury Town FC fundraiser
Councillor Bernie Bentick will be taking part in Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation's annual 'Sleep Out Under the Stars' event
The Mayor of Shrewsbury will be swapping the comfort of his bed for a sleeping bag as he takes part in the Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation's annual 'Sleep Out Under the Stars' event at the Croud Meadow.
The fundraising event on June 11 aims to raise awareness and the challenges faced by vulnerable people across the community experiencing homelessness, while generating vital funds to support the foundation's work throughout Shropshire.
The Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation is one of four charities selected by Councillor Bernie Bentick to support during his mayoral year.
Participants taking part in the sleep out will spend a night outdoors at the home of Shrewsbury Town Football Club to raise funds to help continue the programmes delivered by the foundation, as well as highlight the concern of homelessness in the community.
Cllr Bentick, said: "One night sleeping outdoors can never fully replicate the hardship some people in our community experience, but it can help us better understand the challenges many people encounter every day.
"I am proud to be supporting the Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation, one of my chosen charities for the year, and I am looking forward to joining fellow participants for this important event.
"The Foundation does outstanding work across our community, supporting people of all ages through sport, education, health and wellbeing programmes. I hope my participation encourages others to support the event and help raise funds for their valuable work."
Ruth Pemberton, Events & Fundraising Officer at Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation, said: "We are delighted that the Mayor of Shrewsbury will be joining us for this year's Sleep Out Under the Stars.
"His support helps raise awareness of the event and the important issues it highlights, while also recognising the positive impact that fundraising can have on communities across Shropshire.
The Sleep Out continues to grow each year and brings together people from all walks of life who want to make a difference.
"We are incredibly grateful to everyone taking part, bringing people together through football, community and opportunity, creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone has a safe place, a voice and an opportunity to thrive.”
Cllr Bentick continued: "The more we can raise the better, but more importantly, we'd like to raise the awareness and the profile of the people who struggle to find regular accommodation."