Leeds Rhinos oversee brilliant initiative

The Leeds Big Sleep returns to Emerald Headingley on Thursday 25th November 2022 to raise money for Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St George’s Crypt and St Gemma’s Hospice.

The annual sleepout is now in its fifth year and hundreds of people are expected to give up the comfort of their own beds to spent a night out in their sleeping bags at Emerald Headingley.

Last year volunteers had to take part in the event in a slightly different way, as due to Covid restrictions meant the stadium was unavailable – meaning the Big Sleep Out became the Big Sleep In – with fundraisers finding unusual places to sleep for the night – such as their kitchen floor, garden and garages.

In 2021 though the event will make a welcome return to Emerald Headingley, with fans and supporters of the charities encouraged to take part along with with friends, colleagues and family to brave the cold and spend a night in a sleeping bag under the stars at the home of Leeds Rhinos.

All money raised will go towards supporting three Leeds charities to support hundreds of vulnerable people in the city.

Gareth Cook, Head of Community and Engagement for Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said: “Since in launched in 2017 he Leeds Big Sleep has helped raised thousands of pounds to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“We now have a loyal group of fundraisers who have taken part every year and even showed their dedication last year in testing circumstances to make sure they continued to raise vital funds for all three charities.

“We are delighted that the Big Sleep Out is back this year at the famous Emerald Headingley and we hope fans and supporters can join us for this fundraising event and help all the charities continue their incredible work.”

Launched in 2017, the Leeds Big Sleep has enjoyed huge success in raising money for some of the city’s most vulnerable people. More than £56,000 was raised by last year’s sleepout alone, which led to the three charities being shortlisted for the Fundraising Partnership of the Year Award at the 2020 Institute of Fundraising (IoF) Yorkshire Awards.

All proceeds from the Leeds Big Sleep In will be split equally between Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St George’s Crypt and St Gemma’s Hospice.

Minimum age is 18 to sleep out at Emerald Headingley, however fundraisers can arrange their own sleep out at home for under 18s on the same day.