Charity to host sleepout event in Birmingham raising funds for Gaza children

Birmingham: A community sleepout in the open outdoors is set to take place in Birmingham to raise funds for Palestinian children in the besieged Gaza strip.

With the motto to “challenge yourself for a night to sleep under the stars so a child in Gaza won’t have to”, the fundraising event is being organised by ISRA-UK in partnership with Highfield Hall Community Centre in Hall Green.

Taking place on Saturday 10 February, during the start of the half-term break, families and individuals are being encouraged to sign-up for The Big SleepOut for Gaza and fundraise before, during and after the event.

ISRA-UK has been distributing food parcels and fresh hot food to families in Gaza

Organisers have secured a family-friendly venue where participants will be able to safely set up outdoor shelter in groups, with tents, sleeping bags and cardboard shelters both welcome on the grounds, and indoor access available for all too. Those taking part are encouraged to get creative when decorating their shelters to make them stand out at night.

“The Big SleepOut for Gaza will be taking place in Birmingham next month and we want as many of you as possible to participate and fundraise as much as you can for the people of Gaza in Palestine,” ISRA-UK volunteer Saraya Hussain said.

Once signed up, registered participants will receive a fundraising pack to help them raise vital funds online, and information to help them prepare for the sleepout, which will officially take place between 6pm and 6am.

Set up outdoors but on secure grounds with staff, volunteers and stewards; an outdoor fire will be centrepiece to the communal space, with food and drink available indoors.

Workshops, stalls and entertainment will create a sense of community, with lights out at around 10pm; and in the morning after the sleepout, achievement certificates will be presented alongside a free breakfast.

ISRA-UK, based in Birmingham, has been assisting the vulnerable and marginalised in the Palestinian occupied territories for four decades. In the last few months, the international charity has been providing hot food for children and families in Gaza during the current Israeli military bombardment of the region.

Latest figures from the health ministry in Gaza confirm over 26,000 people have been killed in the territory since October last year.

ISRA-UK is also presently loading up trucks with flour, bedding, clothes, and food parcels which are being transported from Cairo in Egypt to the Rafah border where they are being transferred into Gaza by the United Nations.

“We have teams on the ground in Gaza and with your support, we will raise funds to provide essential food and emergency items for the Palestinian people, particularly during the winter months,” Saraya added.

During the charity sleepout, attendees will be provided with refreshments, awareness raising activities, community entertainment and “additional opportunities to fundraise for a good cause”.

Organisers are encouraging people to sign up before the event due to limited spaces, with ample allowance for fundraising before and after the actual event itself.

The Big SleepOut for Gaza takes place on Saturday 10th February 2024, between 6pm – 6am, at Highfield Hall Community Centre, Hall Green, B28 0HS. Registration is essential and all individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All welcome.

To find out more or to sign up visit: www.israuk.org/events