The second Craven Cottage sleepout – run by the Fulham Foundation – raised a record more than £13,000 for vulnerable members of the local community, the club have revealed this afternoon.
The Foundation partnered with SPEAR, a homelessness prevention charity in south west London, to raise valuable funds for individuals at risk of homelessness. The event, based on a long-running initiative introduced by Chelsea, heard from legendary Fulham forward Barry Hayles, who answered questions from fans as well as 1975 FA Cup hero Les Strong, and was supported by one of the club’s corporate partners in Nepresso.
Fiona Pugh, SPEAR’s communications manager, said:
We were so grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Fulham FC Foundation for the Stadium Sleepout this year. This event not only raised vital funds but also helped us to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness in South-West London.
“The number of people sleeping rough in London is at a record high, with 4,780 people recorded as sleeping rough in London between July and September this year. And since the sleepout, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol has been activated on three nights when temperatures fell below freezing.
“The support from Fulham FC fans and participants will help us provide essential services and support to some of the most vulnerable in our community. We’d like to thank everyone who took part and braved sleeping in the Putney Stand!”
