News

£70K To Glasgow City Mission’s Winter Night Shelter

Thu 28th January 2016

Walter Smith, Lee Wallace and 1 other holding prop cheque showing amount of donation for winter shelter

Rangers Manager Mark Warburton and Captain Lee Wallace have handed over a donation of £70,000 to Glasgow City Mission’s Winter Night Shelter on behalf of the Rangers Charity Foundation – almost 3 times the Foundation’s original pledge to raise £25,000 this season for the project.

The Foundation smashed its fundraising target for the partnership thanks to the amazing support of the fans who signed up to sleep out overnight at Ibrox Stadium in December to raise money for the initiative.

Over 200 people braved the wintery conditions and took part in the Big Ibrox Sleep Out, collectively raising thousands of pounds for this vital service for the city of Glasgow.

As a result, the Winter Night Shelter will not only remain open for an extra month in March this year and provide advocacy services to those who use the shelter, but Glasgow City Mission will also be able to maintain this additional service for winter 2017.

Rangers Manager Mark Warburton commented: “The response from the fans to the Sleep Out was fantastic.  The Foundation had to add two extra dates to accommodate all those who came forward wanting to take part.  Rangers fans have proved themselves, once again, to be incredibly generous and big-hearted.” 

Connal Cochrane, Director of the Foundation added: “Homelessness is something we are all aware of in our city and this winter Glasgow City Mission has unfortunately seen demand for spaces in the shelter go up.  The support of our fans for this vital service has been truly incredible and demonstrated once again what a powerful force for good the Rangers Charity Foundation can be.”

Glasgow City Mission’s Marketing and Fundraising Manager Graham Steven commented: “Glasgow City Mission is absolutely delighted with the generosity of the Rangers Charity Foundation and their fans. The response to the sleep out events has blown everyone away and to have raised £70,000, almost treble the initial £25,000 target, is incredible and testament to the Foundation’s desire to make a big difference in the local community. 

“This money will be used not only to provide an additional month’s service at this year’s Glasgow Winter Night Shelter, but the additional money will also be used for the following year’s service. This means hundreds of extra people who are homeless can receive emergency accommodation and avoid sleeping on Glasgow’s cold streets. 

“In addition, money will also be spent on legal advocacy work to ensure people receive the lasting accommodation they are entitled to.  We cannot thank the Rangers Charity Foundation, the Club and fans enough for their support and making such a significant impact in our community.”

The Winter Night Shelter aims to meet homeless people’s immediate need for a warm, safe place to sleep and trained staff will then try to tackle the root causes of homelessness and help the person find suitable temporary accommodation as an alternative to rough sleeping.  Service users are also referred to Glasgow City Mission’s other services, and those of partner organisations, including places to get a hot meal, legal advocacy work and support with seeking employment.

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