Dons football ground to host sleepout.
The head of MK Dons’ Community Trust is among executives and volunteers who have agreed to sleep out under the stars for a night to raise awareness and funds for homeless people.
Stadium MK, the home of MK Dons FC, will host a ‘CEO Sleepout’ next month, with scores of locals swapping pillows and duvets for sleeping bags and thick layers. Paul Clark, Chair of MK Dons Community Trust, is among those taking part.
Supported by MK College, the event, on 13th November, is open to everyone: groups of friends and colleagues, families and indivuals, and is being hosted by Dons’ Community Trust, the football club’s official charity.
It’s being held as part of the charity’s work to improve lives in the city by harnessing the power of football and its facilities, with organisers setting a £30,000 fundraising target. Money will be used to help provide temporary accommodation for those who are most in need and basic necessities such as warm clothing, food and shelter in a secure environment.
Each participant will be provided with a cardboard bed decorated by local schoolchildren, with prizes available for the most creative designs.
“It’s unthinkable that in 2025 we still have dozens of people in Milton Keynes left with no choice but to sleep rough on our streets,” said Paul Clark. “It’s a critical issue, and one we are bringing attention to by hosting a sleepout at Stadium MK.
“Already, we have a fantastic group of people committed to spending the night outside with thousands of pounds raised in support of CEO Sleepout’s work. We have unlimited capacity for this event, so encourage those who want to help us to get involved.
“All donations, however big or small, will help to make a difference and will be hugely appreciated. For those interested in supporting the event, we’d love to see you pitch side. Bring plenty of positive energy and, of course, warm clothing!”
More than 2,100 people were estimated to be homeless in Milton Keynes at the end of December 2023, research by the housing charity Shelter revealed. Of those, 35 were sleeping rough, while 2,121 – including 1,013 children – were living in temporary accommodation.
Across England, one in 182 people is estimated to be homeless. In Milton Keynes, this figure is one in 133.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting our Milton Keynes CEO Sleepout at Stadium MK this year,” said Bianca Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of CEO Sleepout UK.
“This is a great opportunity for the business community to come together and support an important cause by demonstrating just how much MK cares about local people in need.
“Funds raised will help change local lives through the amazing work of MK Dons Community Trust, Unity MK, Bus Shelter MK and YMCA MK.”
To register for next month’s CEO Sleepout in November at Stadium MK, visit ceosleepout.co.uk. The event will run from 8pm until 6am with hot drinks and breakfast provided to participants, and a series of discussions to underline why fundraisers like CEO Sleepout are necessary.
Further information about MK Dons Community Trust is available here. People wishing to support Paul can do so by visiting his fundraising page.
