Over £8,000 raised in support of accommodation concern charity

25th January 2024

Accommodation Concern, a leading charitable organisation dedicated to preventing and relieving poverty and homelessness in North Northants, is thrilled to announce that a remarkable £8,000 has been raised to date through a night of fundraising at Wicksteed Park on 19th January 2024.

The evening began with a fun quiz, which was attended by 120 people coming together for a common cause, demonstrating their commitment to addressing the pressing issue of homelessness within their community.

Following the quiz, 20 passionate individuals, including Emily Fedorowycz the Mayor of Kettering and Leanne Buckingham the Mayor of Corby and her sister Nicola, took part in a sponsored sleepout. Bundled up in sleeping bags, these brave participants spent a night under the stars to raise awareness about homelessness and the dire need for safe and stable accommodation.

The sleepout not only provided an opportunity to experience the harsh realities faced by those without a home, but also served as a powerful symbol of solidarity and empathy.

Video credit to Simon Cox, Director of NNBN

The £8,000 raised through these events will directly support Accommodation Concern's vital programs, providing supported accommodation for single homeless people and offering life-changing advice on housing, debt, and benefits. With this generous contribution, Accommodation Concern will be able to offer a safe and stable environment for individuals, giving them the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives and achieve independence.

Commenting on the success of the fundraising efforts, Jo Moore, the CEO of Accommodation Concern, expressed deep appreciation for the incredible generosity of the community.

"We are overwhelmed by the support shown at our fundraising event. The money raised will enable us to continue our mission of providing supported accommodation and vital advice to those in need. It is heartening to witness the community coming together to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals facing homelessness. Together, we are creating a brighter future."

Accommodation Concern would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Wicksteed Park who hosted the event for free and everyone who made the event such a success, from the quiz participants, donors, sleepout sponsors, to the amazing sleepout participants who slept out in a sub-zero temperature. It is through their collective efforts that Accommodation Concern can continue to provide a strong safety net for vulnerable individuals within North Northamptonshire.

“As a charitable trust, Wicksteed has always been dedicated to supporting the wider community. This event demonstrates the commitment and positivity of local people to help others in need and I am delighted we were able to host the fundraiser,” said Wicksteed Park’s Head of Operations Jordan St Germain. “Spending just one night in the cold was a real challenge and it really helped to bring home the challenges faced daily by far too many people in the area. “Hopefully, as well as raising vital funds for Accommodation Concern and its amazing work, the event helped raise awareness of this increasingly urgent crisis,” he added.