The start of a new year always seems to come with new resolutions. The things that you’ll do more or less of in order to make a positive change to your life in some way. But what if you could do something that wouldn’t just be a positive experience for you, but that could also make a difference to the lives of those facing homelessness?
Fundraising is a great way to try something new, build bonds with others, and come together towards a common goal. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or a baking wizard, there are plenty of ways to support an organisation or cause that you care about.
At Simon on the Streets, we’re always so grateful when businesses and individuals choose to support our vital work through their fundraising efforts, and here we’re taking a look at some of the ways in which you can get involved.
Conquer a mountain
As a Yorkshire-based charity, we’re ready to support anyone who decides to take on the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. This 24-mile round trip is not to be underestimated. You’ll scale the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent (694 metres), Whernside (736 metres) and Ingleborough (723 metres).
The challenge is to complete the whole thing in under 12 hours, but we’re right behind you if your goal is just to complete the challenge in your own time. It’s entirely up to you!
We’ll soon be releasing the details of our very own Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, so if you’d like to take part and help us to raise vital funds, keep your eyes peeled.
(PHOTO) Why not gather your team and join the likes of Mazars Private Client who took on the hike to raise over £1500 for Simon on the Streets?
Get your running shoes on
Our very own senior fundraiser, Andy Sharpe and trustee co-chair, Leo Jones-Rowe were among those who took on the 26 miles of the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May 2023.
Could this be the year you get ready for the ultimate fitness challenge? With 10k, half marathon and full marathon distances available, there’s something to challenge every skill level.
Here at Simon on the Streets, we’ve secured a number of places for each event, so if you think it might be time for you to get your running shoes on and hit the road, all you need to do is get in touch!
A sponsored sleep-out
To better understand what it’s like for people experiencing homelessness, you might want to give our flagship fundraiser Simon’s Big Sleep Out some thought. Whilst there’s no way this event can ever replicate the true conditions of homelessness, it is a fantastic way to raise awareness about the impact of homelessness and the stigma that surrounds it. Those who have previously taken part have been very open about the impact it has had on them.
In 2023, Simon’s Big Sleep Out raised over £26,000. The difference this will make to the lives of those facing homelessness is massive, and will help to keep our outreach team ‘out there’ in the community.
If you’re interested in taking part in the next Big Sleep Out this October, get in touch to express your interest early, whether it’s just you, with friends and family, or your teams and colleagues.
Host a coffee morning
Who doesn’t love coffee and cake? Flex your baking muscles and host a coffee morning for colleagues and office visitors. Hosting a coffee morning is a great way to bring people together, chat and enjoy a sweet treat - all whilst raising money for a fantastic cause.
Want to add a competitive edge? Make it an official Bake Off with cakes and biscuits Paul Hollywood would be proud of.
As a charity, we see so many fun and new fundraising events all the time, and we’re so grateful for how often our supporters go over and above for us. If you decide to hold your own fundraising event, why not tell us all about it? You can even send us your photos or videos so that we can give you a shout out across our social media challenges.
Need some further inspiration? We’d love to help! If you’d like to bring your fundraising idea to life with the support of Simon of the Streets, contact our senior fundraiser, Andy Sharpe at andy@simononthestreets.co.uk and he and the team will be happy to help.