The annual DENS sleep out went ahead with a slightly different twist this year, but that didn’t stop hundreds of people taking part.
Nearly 400 individuals, business and groups including Guides, Brownies and Scouts took part in the sleep out which took place virtually with people sleeping in their gardens, garages, floors and even cupboards raising money for the local homeless charity.
DENS community and events Manager, Nicky Maxwell-Braithwaite said that the nature of the sleepout of this year meant that many pets also took part.
She said: “Being able to sleepout at home meant that people’s furry friends were also invited including many dogs and cats but also guinea pigs, rabbits and even a parrot!”
The Morgan family, from Berkhamsted, were delighted their new puppy could join in the fun.
Jacob, 12, said: “Me and Dad slept all night in the garage. It was a bit chilly but nice and dry. I am SO going to sleepout outside next year”
His sister Poppy, aged nine, had a slightly different experience.
She said: “We made our tent in the garage look really pretty with fairy lights and fluffy blankets but I still didn’t like sleeping in a dusty garage so I moved back into the house at midnight and made up a bed in the cupboard and slept there just like Harry Potter!”
Fran Martin, head of fundraising, is delighted with the outcome of the sleep out.
She said: “Like all charities, national or local, it’s been a tough year for fundraising. I am really proud of our small team who transformed this flagship mass event into a virtual one, demonstrating immense creativity and innovation as they adapted to brand new ways of fundraising.”
You can support the Sleepout by donating via text by texting DENSSLEEPOUT followed by your donation to 70085 or through their website dens.org.uk
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