Jersey sleep out raises £30,000 for homelessness charity

Jersey's sixth annual Sleep Out, run by the charity Sanctuary Trust, has raised almost £30,000 to help homeless islanders.

More than 120 people slept on the 11th and 12th floors of the Pier Road Car Park in St Helier, with sleeping bags and pieces of cardboard, to raise funds for the charity.

The oldest participant was 75 years old, while the youngest was just six.

The event aims to raise awareness of homelessness and help the charity provide accommodation and support to islanders.

Last year the sleep out raised more than £24,000.

Chair of Sanctuary Trust, Tim Ringsdore said: "It was so good to see such a diverse range of people supporting the Sanctuary Trust annual sleepout at Pier Road car park on Friday night.

"Our vision is to tackle homelessness in our community and this event certainly helps this aim.

"We appreciate the generosity of everyone who supports us."

Sarah Tumelty, Sanctuary Trust’s General Manager said: "Despite the cold and windy weather, so many peoplecame together in solidarity, which was inspiring to see.

"For those who participated, returning to a warm bed in the morning was a certainty and that stark contrast is what makes this fundraiser so impactful. It makes you stop and reflect on how challenging life would be without that option."

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