News

We’re delighted to announce that supporters who took part in the Rangers Charity Foundation’s Big Ibrox Sleep Out events last month raised an incredible £52,000 for the Foundation’s work in the community and its projects with Glasgow City Mission and the Simon Community. 

Around 200 supporters braved the cold and slept out overnight on the technical area at Ibrox in three events in November to raise funds and highlight the issue of homelessness.  For every supporter who took part, 32 Red generously donated and extra £10 per person, giving a huge boost to our fundarsing total and our impact through this event.

The money raised is being split three ways between Glasgow City Mission’s Evening Drop-in service, the Simon Community’s Nightstop project and the Foundation’s work in the community. 

Nightstop targets 16 to 25 year olds who are in danger of sleeping rough and offers the help and advice this vulnerable group needs to move forward in a positive direction.  The Nightstop service provides immediate support with 3 – 5 night’s emergency accommodation in the home of an approved Nightstop volunteer.  Nightstop volunteers also provide a young person with a warm welcome, evening meal, breakfast and someone trusted they can talk to.

Glasgow City Mission’s Evening Drop-in Service, where a donation of just £1 can pay for a hot meal, helps on average 130 homeless and vulnerable people every evening.  The Drop-in service operates Monday to Friday throughout the year and Glasgow City Mission staff and volunteers prepare hot soup, sandwiches and drinks and connect people to their skills workshops and other services to improve their situations.

Graham Steven, Partnerships and Communications Manager at Glasgow City Mission commented, “On behalf of everyone at Glasgow City Mission and the people we serve, I would like to whole-heartedly thank the Rangers Charity Foundation and fans of the Club for their incredible support once again.

“The money raised from this year’s Sleep Out events will enable our vital evening drop-in to take place: a safe and welcoming space to receive food and practical help for people battling homelessness and other forms of social disadvantage.”

“Homelessness can happen to anyone and it’s encouraging to see so many fans take part in order to make a big difference – they most certainly have. Thank you!”

The Simon Community’s Chief Executive Lorraine McGrath added, “Thank you to the Rangers Charity Foundation and supporters for the most wonderful generosity which has been shown to Simon Community Scotland as part of the Ibrox Big Sleep Out.

“It is indeed heart-warming that the Rangers family, especially at this time of year, are concerned for the welfare of some of Glasgow’s most vulnerable. The funds raised will help to support Nightstop, a volunteer run programme preventing young people from ever having to sleep rough.”  

“In the first year we will reach out to 50 young people and Rangers fans should be incredibly proud of themselves for making this possible!  Everyone at the Simon Community would like to thank you most kindly for your support – without you it wouldn’t be possible!” 

Foundation Director Connal Cochrane commented, “Our fantastic fans have done it again! Last season the Sleep Outs raised £70,000 for Glasgow City Mission’s Winter Night Shelter, meaning our Big Sleep Outs have raised over £100,000 in total for projects supporting people affected by homelessness in our city.

“Our supporters should feel incredibly proud of the impact that this will make.  It’s clear they feel strongly about the issue of homelessness and we can’t thank them enough for their commitment and generosity.”