Camp out in your Back Garden tonight to help The Brick

Andy Burnham (top) is backing the fundraising initiative

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has given his support to an initiative raising much-needed funds The Brick which has faced huge demand for support during the coronavirus pandemic.

It is asking people to come together this evening for its Big Back Garden Sleep, where they can camp out in their back garden, sleep on trampolines or create a den in their lounge and raise money for those in the community facing poverty and hardship.

Mr Burnham said: “The Brick, one of our partners in our A Bed Every Night rough sleeping initiative, is experiencing an unprecedented demand for food parcels from their food bank, with seriously depleted levels of stock.

“To help raise money for the charity and to help restock their food bank, The Brick is asking people to join its Big Back Garden Sleep this Friday. Any donation, however small, will help this vital local charity to continue to support those in the community who need their help the most.”

Louise Green, CEO at The Brick, said: “We are delighted that Andy Burnham continues to support The Brick and that he is joining us in our Big Back Garden Sleep.

“The Brick’s Big Back Garden Sleep is in keeping with everyone’s efforts to stay at home and everyone can join us, from their gardens and homes, to help us to raise money for our charity and the food bank.

“One food parcel costs £15 and to feed a family of four for a week, the cost is £45. So, if everyone who joins us can donate enough to feed a family of four, they are helping to feed people in our community who are facing poverty right now.”

Register for the fund-raiser via The Brick’s Facebook page, where there will be activities including scavenger hunts, sleepout recipes and campfire songs. To donate to the campaign, go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/gardensleep or text BRICK to 70480 plus your selected financial donation.

n Our sister title Wigan Observer has launched a campaign to raise funds for The Brick and other organisations supporting vulnerable people in our borough during the coronavirus pandemic. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wigan-observer-foodbanks.