Stadium of Light fundraiser to help region's homeless

A MAJOR Stadium of Light fundraiser aims to help "fast-track" Andy Burnham's pledge to end rough sleeping.

The Sunderland CEO Sleepout takes place on November 12, with fundraisers spending the night sleeping inside the ground itself.

The annual event comes as bleak new Government stats show that despite the PM's vow, rough sleeping is rising faster in the North East than any other region. Additionally, a record 350,000 Brits will experience homelessness this year — enough to fill the Stadium of Light SEVEN times over.

"While Andy Burnham's goal of ending rough sleeping is a huge step forward, it won't happen overnight," said Bianca Robinson, CEO of CEO Sleepout. "And the brutal reality is across Wearside, far too many families are heading into winter unsure if they'll have a roof over their heads this Christmas."

Government stats show that in our region, rough sleeping has rocketed by 238 per cent in the past five years. Last year, it soared by 31 per cent — the highest increase in England.

"The figures are a national shame, but homelessness isn't just sleeping bags in doorways — and neither is CEO Sleepout," added the charity's chairman, Abu Ali. "Money raised from our events supports 200 frontline causes tackling poverty and homelessness, and funds raised from the 2026 Sunderland CEO Sleepout will hopefully help fast-track the work being done nationally to banish rough sleeping — and hopefully, eventually homelessness itself — to the past."

In Sunderland, one of the charities that will benefit from the CEO Sleepout is the Foundation of Light. The official charity of Sunderland AFC, for 25 years it has used football's power to improve lives and create opportunities for people across Sunderland and the wider North East. That includes addressing many challenges that can increase vulnerability, including unemployment, financial hardship, social isolation and poor mental health.

"We’re proud to support CEO Sleepout because homelessness rarely exists in isolation," said Lesley Spuhler, Foundation of Light CEO. "Bringing businesses, charities and community leaders together helps raise awareness of the challenges people face, while generating vital funds to support organisations working across Sunderland."

Ahead of the event, Bianca has pleaded with people to support the charity in "whatever way possible".

"Our aim this year is to raise £1m for the first time, money that will change lives," she added. "But we urgently need people to sleep out or donate. But if you want to grab a bag, the experience is genuinely life-changing. I've slept out over 100 times, and it still feels special — the energy and camaraderie of a CEO Sleepout is unmatched."

To sign up, visit https://ceosleepout.co.uk/sunderland/