A team from Emmaus Cambridge are joining forces with Cambridge Convoy Refugee Action Group (CamCRAG) to brave a night out under the stars to raise money for people experiencing homelessness or displacement during conflict, which causes homelessness.
The big sleepout is being held at St Giles’ Church, Cambridge on the weekend of 10th & 11th February.
The public can sign-up to join the sleepout or donate to support the two important local charities.
One way of getting involved is by attending the Winter Fair, hosted at the same location on Saturday 10th February from 12pm – 4pm. This event precedes the sleepout and visitors will discover a range of stalls selling vintage clothes & books, food & drink, crafts, a raffle plus much more.
Emmaus Cambridge, join the sleepout as they celebrate a major milestone in the history of their charity.
In 1954 in France, Emmaus Founder Abbé Pierre delivered a powerful speech across the media to call for public help with the state of homelessness in France, where people were dying in the street from cold and lack of food.
The Uprising of Kindness appeal triggered unprecedented donations and led to the growth of the Emmaus movement.
70 years on, Emmaus Cambridge says it is reflecting on whether sufficient change has been witnessed and is asking the public to #BeMoreKind to people in need, to the planet and to themselves.
Emmaus hopes that supporters will join them in another ‘Uprising of Kindness’ for CamCRAG and the millions of people in Europe displaced by war and conflict.
A group of companions from Emmaus, who have previously experienced homelessness and now have a home at Emmaus Cambridge and a member of the Emmaus staff team are sleeping out in solidarity with others in need.
Jon Cook, a companion who is getting involved said: “The sleepout is a great way we can all stand together in solidarity and support one another.
“People are still freezing to death on the streets and millions are living in poverty and – this is our way of making a difference and saying we won’t have it”.
This is CamCRAG’s sixth sleepout since 2018, donations from each sleepout supports the organisation to send donations and volunteers to help refugees in the Calais area.
Donna Talbot, CEO of Emmaus Cambridge said: “We really hope that our supporters and people across Cambridgeshire and beyond view this sleepout as an opportunity to show kindness to others.
“A donation of any level will make a big difference and ensure those who are often overlooked are recognised and supported.
“The work that CamCRAG do is so crucial to the refugee crisis and we’re proud to be partnering on this event during our Uprising of Kindness activities.”
To get involved and support CamCRAG and Emmaus Cambridge, donate on Just Giving https://www.justgiving.com/page/diane-docherty-1706694264202 or visit the Winter Fair on Saturday 10th February at St Giles’ Church, CB3 0AQ
