Saturday 10th October 2015, and the front lawn of Chichester Cathedral was strewn with cardboard.  But this was no mistake, no mishap.  It was the 3rd annual Big SleepOut event for Chichester based homeless charity, Stonepillow.

Late morning, and the shelters are beginning to take shape
Late morning, and the shelters are beginning to take shape

Participants constructed cardboard shelters throughout the day and then slept in them overnight, to raise funds for the all-important work of Stonepillow.  Sponsored by Henry Adams estate agents, and supported by Bognor Regis RRT and numerous willing volunteers, this helped to ensure every penny raised went directly towards helping rough sleepers in West Sussex to get off the streets and re-integrate back into society.

The Bognor Rapid Relief Team assisted with the setting up in the morning, and provided food and refreshments throughout the day.

The RRT Stonepillow Soup Kitchen
The RRT Stonepillow Soup Kitchen

Music, children’s entertainment and an exhibition of Stonepillow’s work were a source of great interest to passers-by.

Keeping everyone amused
Keeping everyone amused
Music, kid’s entertainment, and a stone pillow exhibition of work
Music, kid’s entertainment, and a stone pillow exhibition of work

Shelters were many and varied – some made for just one occupant, whilst others were large enough to house more than 10!  Proud builders added their finishing touches before moving them to the safety of the rear lawn for the overnight stay.

Shelters of all shapes and sizes – everyone took great pride in their work
Shelters of all shapes and sizes – everyone took great pride in their work
Chimneys, spires, flowers….no detail was missed
Chimneys, spires, flowers….no detail was missed

RRT Bognor Regis & Fernhurst took the opportunity to donate 55 food boxes to Stonepillow’s CEO Sylvie Johnson, and 30 boxes to Bognor Housing Trust volunteer, Dennis Poulton.

Food box handover to Stonepillow and Bognor Housing Trust
Food box handover to Stonepillow and Bognor Housing Trust

On the same day a further 42 food boxes were also delivered to Big Love, another important homeless charity in Bognor Regis.

Food box handover to Big Love
Food box handover to Big Love

At the time of this article, sponsor monies for the Big SleepOut event were well on the way to Stonepillow’s target of £15,000.  A very successful day for all involved.

 

 

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