A Wigan sleep-out with a big difference!

A Wigan charity facing a huge rise in requests for help during the coronavirus pandemic has revamped a popular fund-raiser to bring in much-needed cash.

The Brick has experienced unprecedented demand for its services, particularly its food bank in Wigan town centre, since the outbreak of the virus.

In the last three weeks, there has been a 295 per cent rise in demand for food parcels overall and a 348 per cent increase in the need for food parcels for children.

But the amount of food donated to the charity has dropped by 73 per cent since the start of the crisis, with its retail shops in Wigan and Leigh closed and fund-raising initiatives by supporters brought to an end.

The Brick had planned to hold its annual Sleep Out next week to raise money, but that has had to be cancelled.

Instead, organisers are asking people to camp in their back garden, sleep on their trampolines or create a den in their lounge to take part in the Big Back Garden Sleep and raise money for those facing poverty.

Louise Green, CEO at The Brick (pictured below), said: “We had planned to hold our annual Sleep Out in Wigan town centre on April 24, but due to the current crisis we have had to cancel the event.

This event was not only a key date in our calendar for fund-raising, but was a date that families, friends, and businesses look forward to, to come together to raise money for those in our community who need our help the most.

“We wanted to create a new event, in keeping with the current circumstances, where everyone can join us, from their gardens and homes, to help us to raise money for our 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 to take part via The Brick’s Facebook page, where there will be a range of activities, including scavenger hunts, sleepout recipes and campfire songs.

To donate to the campaign, text BRICK to 70480 plus the selected financial donation, for example text BRICK 15 to donate £15.

Alternatively, donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/gardensleep.