The money raised doubled the charity’s original target of £3,000 for the first event in the city.
Jonathan Martin, YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chief Executive, said: “Sleep Easy went better than we expected for our first event. We were delighted with the response and I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who took part and spent the night out with us.
“We hope that everyone left with the key message that made us plan this event, which is to truly experience how difficult it is to endure homelessness.”
YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough has operated in the area since 1852, and provides services for over 450 residents a year, including practical help for young people in crisis.
This fundraising event saw participants sleeping on DIY cardboard beds from 7pm to 7am. All participants paid an entry fee of £10 that will contribute to the much-needed funds to help homeless young people at YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.
Clare Reeves, a participant at Sleep Easy, said: “YMCA’s Sleep Easy was very humbling for me. It was an amazing experience and made me appreciate how lucky I am to have a warm house and comfy bed as others are not so fortunate.”
YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is a part of a federation of 113 independent YMCAs, forming the oldest and largest youth charity in the world.
If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering for YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough please visit www.theymca.org.uk
About YMCA
Founded in 1844, YMCA in England is made up of 113 member YMCAs working to ensure that young people have opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.
YMCA operates in over 530 different communities in England impacting upon the lives of over 600,000 people every year.
YMCAs provide almost 10,000 beds for young people every night. YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of safe, supported accommodation for young men and women.
YMCA enables nearly 43,000 people every year to engage in education, skills and training to enable them to improve their opportunities in the job market.
YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of health and wellbeing services promoting physical activity.
For further information please visit www.ymca.org.uk
********
For interviews or more information, please speak to Verity Swinscoe, Marketing Officer via email [email protected] or Call 01733 373188