The Goodison Sleepout event welcomed a record attendance for its eighth and final edition on Friday night, the annual event is organised by Everton in the Community.
Over 400 supporters spent the night braving the elements at Goodison Park, in what will be the stadium’s final-ever season, to raise vital funds for the charity’s ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ programme.
As Everton Football Club’s move to its new waterfront home gets ever closer, this was the last chance for fans to enjoy a memorable night at the Grand Old Lady, sleeping in the open air submerged in its unique history and heritage whilst experiencing the struggles that people battling homelessness face.
Supporters came together to raise over £140,000 in aid of the charity’s Home Is Where The Heart Is programme, which supports young people on the cusp of homelessness through a four-bedroom residential house and outreach support.
Hosted by Sarah Halpin, the Blues presenter opened the poignant evening alongside EitC CEO, Sue Gregory before the room heard from past and present participants of the programme from years gone by who have been supported by the charity’s life-changing initiative.
The night also welcomed Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, who spoke about the importance of Everton in the Community and its role as the official charity of Everton Football Club.
Sue meanwhile, spoke of her pride as supporters from across the region came together to raise awareness and vital funds for Everton in the Community’s Home Is Where The Heart Is programme, which provides vulnerable young people with a space to stay as well as tailored support from acquiring qualifications and employment to managing bills and helping rebuild family relationships.
Sue said:
“The Goodison Sleepout has an incredible way of bringing everyone from across the city together for one vital cause at a place that holds so many memories for all of us Evertonians.Â
“The night lived up to expectations and more with so many people keen to show their support of the charity. We always anticipated an emotional night given the significance of it being the final season at Goodison, but to raise over £140,000 and counting gives you an idea of the passion and generosity in the room towards our cause. I can’t thank them enough.”
Meanwhile, as the final Goodison Sleepout comes to an end, the work to deliver Everton in the Community’s life-changing Home Is Where The Heart Is programme continues.
You can donate to the cause via JustGiving or to find out more about how you can support the charity’s work, click here.
Everton in the Community will be hosting a Junior version of its Goodison Sleepout later in the season, so young people can experience the staple fundraising event whilst raising funds for the charity’s 60+ programmes which supports tens of thousands of individuals from across the Liverpool City Region each year.
Everton in the Community is reaffirming its commitment to the area surrounding Goodison Park with a new campaign highlighting the charity’s present and future provision in Liverpool 4. ‘Forever’ will enforce the charity’s current presence in L4 whilst highlighting Everton Football Club’s commitment to the area through the life-saving work of its official charity. 
For more information on Everton in the Community’s ‘Forever’ campaign, click here.
