MANCHESTER, UK, 2017-Nov-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Hundreds are set to sleep out in support of homeless people this Friday (10 November) as the Booth Centre hosts its annual Manchester Sleepout.
A record number of people have registered to take part in the event which is taking place at the city’s Cathedral.
The Manchester Sleepout is designed to bring the community together, raising vital funds and increasing awareness of how the Booth Centre works to bring about positive long-term change to the lives of those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, in the city.
The Co-op has also joined with the Booth Centre to launch an appeal for tinned food and toiletries. Items can be dropped off at 20 of its stores in and around Manchester including those in High Street; Corporation Street; the Green Quarter and, Stretford Road, Hulme. The Co-op is also among a number of Manchester-based businesses to take part in the Sleep Out, raising much needed funds and awareness.
It has also been announced this week that The Booth Centre is set to be a beneficiary of the Co-op’s Membership scheme from later this month – the local community fund not only sees Members receive a 5% reward every time they swipe their Membership card when buying own-brand products, but also the community retailer donating a further 1% to local good causes and charities who contribute to improving local life.
Amy Hinks, Development Manager, Booth Centre, said: “We have been delighted with this year’s response with over 400 people now registered. We see first-hand the hardships that homeless people face day after day. The Manchester Sleepout does not aim to replicate what it’s like to sleep rough, but to raise vital awareness of what people go through and how difficult it can be. We know that with the right support lives can be turned around. The reasons why people find themselves sleeping rough are many, and at this time of year in particular they face cold, hunger, fear, loneliness and social isolation daily.
“At the Booth Centre we provide a variety of different services to help people rebuild lives, including arts and sports sessions, education and training workshops, employment advice and support in finding and moving into accommodation – together we can raise funds and awareness which can make a difference to the lives of people locally in crisis.”
John Paul Hooper, Area Manager for the Co-op in Manchester, said: “We are pleased to support this appeal which is working to raise awareness and confront the many challenges that homelessness brings – as a co-operative, inclusivity and equality is at the centre of what we do and teaming up with the Booth Centre can help to make a difference to people living in our community who are desperately in need of support through both practical help and, guidance towards accessing the right support and services.”
Further information:
Andrew Torr
Press Office
M: 07702 505 551
E: Andrew.torr@coop.co.uk
Source: Coop