The Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Bernie Bentick, will be swapping the comfort of his bed for a sleeping bagonThursday as he takes part in the Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation's annual Sleep Out Under the Stars event at the Croud Meadow.
The fundraising event aims to raise awareness and the challenges faced by vulnerable people across the community, while generating vital funds to support the Foundation's work throughout Shropshire.
The Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation is one of four charities selected by Councillor Bentick to support during his mayoral year. The other charities are Shropshire Mental Health Support, Lingen Davies CancerSupportand Little Stars. The Mayor chose the charities to reflect his longstanding commitment to health, wellbeing and opportunities for local people.
Participants taking part in the Sleep Out will spend a night outdoors at the home of Shrewsbury Town Football Club, sleeping out to help out by raising funds to help continue the programmes delivered by the Foundation.
The Mayor of Shrewsbury,Councillor Bernie Bentick, said:
"One night sleeping outdoors can never fully replicate the hardship some people in our community experience, but it can help us better understand the challenges many people encounter every day.
"I am proud to be supporting the Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation, one of my chosen charities for the year, and I am looking forward to joining fellow participants for this important event. The Foundation does outstanding work across our community, supporting people of all ages through sport, education, health and wellbeing programmes. I hope my participation encourages others to support the event and help raise funds for their valuable work."
Ruth Pemberton, Events & Fundraising Officer at Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation, said:
"We are delighted that the Mayor of Shrewsbury will be joining us for this year's Sleep Out Under the Stars. His support helps raise awareness of the event and the important issues it highlights, while also recognising the positive impact that fundraising can have on communities across Shropshire.
"The Sleep Out continues to grow each year and brings together people from all walks of life who want to make a difference. We are incredibly grateful to everyone taking part, bringing
people together through football, community and opportunity, creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone has a safe place, a voice and an opportunity to thrive.”
Since taking office in May, Councillor Bentick has pledged to use his mayoral year to champion health, wellbeing and community partnerships across Shrewsbury. Supporting local charities will be a key focus of his programme throughout the year, with a range of fundraising activities and events planned.
Anyone wishing to support the Sleep Out Under the Stars event or find out more about the work of Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation can visit the Foundation's website.
