More than 150 islanders raised over £35,000 and swapped their beds for yoga mats, sleeping bags and tarpaulin for The Big Skipton Sleep Out, which took place on Friday 24 January in Guernsey’s KGV grounds.

Skipton International partnered with Caritas to raise vital awareness and funds for those facing homelessness in Guernsey – with the money donated going directly towards Caritas’ modular housing solution.

The funds are contributing to the charity’s ambition to raise £1m and secure land to build an innovative modular housing community. The development will provide accommodation for people experiencing homelessness as they get back on their feet, providing them with a sense of community and restoring their dignity.

The event also encouraged island-wide support from the Guernsey Scouts and Guides, who hosted their own version of The Big Skipton Sleep Out the week before at Rue Maingy. More than 175 children and adults took part, and raised over £6,000 for Caritas.

Pete Turner, Chief Operations Officer at Skipton International, commented:

“It was rewarding to take part in The Big Skipton Sleep Out alongside several Skipton colleagues, and support Caritas in their vital work to help those in Guernsey who don’t have a permanent place to call home.

“Our company ethics and values mean that we cannot neglect this growing problem in Guernsey of islanders experiencing homelessness, and we are committed to doing what we can to assist by supporting the work of Caritas to provide a concrete solution to the homelessness crisis in our island.”

David Stoddart, Treasurer at Caritas, said:

“We are blown away by the generosity of islanders who participated in and donated to The Big Skipton Sleep Out. It is no small feat to opt to sleep outdoors in the depths of winter, but unfortunately this is a reality for many people living without a home in Guernsey.

“The money that has been raised is more than we ever anticipated. It was a poignant sight, seeing more than 150 people bedding down in the cold for the night for such an important cause. We are now one step closer to creating a real solution for people experiencing homelessness, and we continue to be extremely thankful for Skipton’s support in making this happen.”