Hundreds of young Evertonians made history on Friday night, 24 April, as they took part in Everton in the Community’s (EitC) first-ever Junior Sleepout at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The junior Blues spent a memorable night under the stars at Everton’s waterfront home, braving the cold to raise vital funds for the club’s official charity.
In total, 266 campers set up their sleeping bags on the concourse.
During the event, the young supporters learned more about the charity’s wide range of community programmes and services.
After completing the overnight stay, they were treated to a hearty breakfast provided by Rapid Relief Team, with additional snacks supplied by B&M and Tesco.
Supporting At-Risk Youth
The committed young Toffees raised more than £20,000 through their efforts.
These funds will be channelled into Everton in the Community’s Home Is Where The Heart Is (HIWTHI) programme.
This specific initiative provides essential support to young people who are at risk of homelessness.
The HIWTHI project is just one of more than 60 programmes and initiatives delivered by the charity, which support tens of thousands of individuals across the Liverpool City Region every year.
The Junior Sleepout was designed as a child-friendly version of the popular Stadium Sleepout, an event that has become a hallmark for EitC supporters.
A Landmark Year for Fundraising
Everton in the Community’s CEO, Sue Gregory, was in attendance to witness the historic night.
Reflecting on the event, she said:
“What a memorable night for Everton in the Community and the hundreds of young Blues who took part in the first Junior Sleepout at the new stadium.
“This October will welcome the 10th edition of our adult Sleepout, and we are so excited to celebrate the milestone, but it was extra special to see young supporters come together and brave the cold night.
“We can’t thank them enough for raising more than £20,000 for our charity and for standing in solidarity with those at risk of homelessness.”
Since it was first launched in 2016, the original Stadium Sleepout has raised almost £500,000, helping to transform the lives of hundreds of young people.
This October will mark the landmark 10-year anniversary of the event.
Registration for the 10th Stadium Sleepout is now open for those looking to participate in the upcoming milestone anniversary.
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