THE chair of a homelessness charity is about to embark on a new fundraising challenge that will see him sleeping rough for a week.
Ahead of World Homeless Day tomorrow, Tim Ringsdore has announced he will take on his “week without a home” challenge in March next year, in the hope of raising funds and awareness to support those experiencing homelessness in Jersey.
For the duration of the challenge, Mr Ringsdore – who is chair of Sanctuary Trust – will be without a permanent home, sleeping outside while carrying out his usual day-to-day activities and responsibilities.
He will also live on a budget that simulates the financial situation of an individual receiving income support.
Mr Ringsdore is no stranger to rough sleeping following his 2023 fundraiser, in which he spent a night outside a different parish or public hall each month.
He said: “I’ve been looking for a new challenge to raise awareness of the growing crisis we have in the Island with homelessness, so we asked our residents to give this some thought and they came up with the idea of me spending a week sleeping rough and living off the weekly income that people in receipt of income support receive.”
He continued: “I know at the end of the week I will return home, which is a luxury many do not have. This challenge is therefore about recognising, not replicating, what it’s like not to have a place to call home.
“I hope that it will provide me with a deeper understanding about the daily challenges members of our society experience and if this helps raise more awareness and much needed funds it will be well worthwhile.”
Since being founded in 2011, Sanctuary Trust has provided support, helping over 350 men in crisis through services such as emergency accommodation, counselling and outreach programmes.
The Sanctuary Trust has also confirmed it will be hosting its annual Sleep Out event on Friday 22 November at Pier Road car park, sponsored by Jersey Mutual.
Last year’s Sleep Out attracted over 140 participants and raised £35,000, all of which directly supported the charity’s initiatives to help vulnerable men get their lives back on track.
