Brummies campout in support of homeless charity
Held on Early May Bank Holiday (Saturday 1May), the BIG Brummie Camp Out saw hundreds camp out raising vital funds for a local charity. The annual event brought families, friends, students and colleagues together who spent a night under the stars, in their own homes, in support of Birmingham’s main day centre for vulnerable and homeless adults, SIFA Fireside. So far, more than £4,500 has been raised with donations still being received by the charity.
Leading local organisations and businesses also joined forces in support of the charity, contributing to the exclusive camper’s activity pack. For a minimum of a £5 donation, campers received recipes from restaurants, such as award-winning Carters of Moseley and OPUS, plus activities from ThinkTank Birmingham, and established ‘Brummie’ brand Punks & Chancers. The event also included live entertainment from Birmingham’s Poet Laureate, Casey Bailey and finished with local nightclub The Night Owl’s DJ set.
The Digbeth-based charity works to provide long term solutions for vulnerable adults; responding to individuals in crisis, standing by them in their recovery and working to prevent homelessness within Birmingham. The aim is to get people off the streets and back onto their feet, giving them an opportunity to work towards a brighter future. The organisation is committed to supporting long term and sustainable routes out of homelessness, working closely with partners such as Birmingham City Council and Shelter UK.
The number of individuals requiring help has risen due to the Covid-19 pandemic and donations are now needed more than ever to help keep SIFA Fireside’s doors open.
Carly Jones, SIFA Fireside CEO, said:“Last year the BIG Brummie Campout was about SIFA Fireside surviving and providing hope during a very tough year for us all. This year, we focused on not only celebrating SIFA Fireside but also our amazing city and the fantastic independent businesses and creative communities that surround us and support us each year.
“Money raised enables us to continue our vital services and as the restrictions continue to ease, we’re able to do even more with our clients to support their journey working towards a brighter future. We have been overwhelmed by the support, of not only individuals who took part in the Big Brummie Campout, but from many local businesses that came together in support.”
For more information about SIFA Fireside and how you can get involved, visit www.sifafireside.co.uk
Pictured: one of the many families that pitched their tent in support