Eden Project Sleep Out Raises Over £12,000 for Homelessness Charities

The Eden Project’s annual Sleep Out event raised more than £12,000 to support homelessness charities St Petrocs and the Amber Foundation. Held last Thursday (14th November), the event saw around 90 participants swapping their warm beds for sleeping bags and cardboard to spend a night outside in front of the iconic Biomes.

The funds come at a crucial time, with the homelessness crisis in the South West deepening. The number of people accessing the services provided by these charities is at an all-time high.

An Evening of Community and Awareness

The Sleep Out event was not only a fundraising opportunity but also a chance for attendees to learn more about homelessness. Participants were treated to live performances by Carclaze Voices, NoteAbility Community Choir, and singer-songwriter Suzie Mac.

Talks were delivered by inspiring speakers, including homelessness experts, charity representatives, and Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path, The Wild Silence, and Landlines.

Dan James, development director at the Eden Project, described the event as “a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the importance of coming together and supporting those less fortunate than ourselves.” He highlighted how the funds raised will support vital work in providing hope and resources to those in need.

Supporting Emergency Accommodation

Lois Wild, director of engagement at St Petrocs, emphasised the importance of the event in raising both awareness and funds. “Due to the demand on our work at this moment in time, we have started the delivery of emergency accommodation early,” Lois said. The charity is currently providing safe spaces for people otherwise forced to sleep outside while working towards securing longer-term housing solutions.

Rebecca Fry, fundraising manager at the Amber Foundation, also reflected on the significance of the night. She noted that while the drop in temperature made for an uncomfortable experience, it served as a stark reminder of the daily struggles faced by those who sleep rough. Rebecca thanked participants and donors, stating that the funds raised will make a significant impact on supporting young people this winter.

A Decade of Making a Difference

Since its inception in 2014, the Eden Project Sleep Out has become an integral part of the Eden Project’s mission to strengthen community ties and address global challenges. Over the past decade, the event has welcomed hundreds of participants and raised more than £100,000 for homelessness charities.

For more information about the Eden Project Sleep Out and the charities it supports, visit www.edenproject.com.