A WOKINGHAM disability charity is challenging residents to swap their comfy bed for a night under the stars in Thames Valley Park (TVP).
Building for the Future’s sleep out fundraiser, One Night Under the Stars to Build a Lifetime of Memories, will help to create an inclusive sensory garden.
Local residents, individuals, businesses and community organisations will trade their warm beds for a sleeping bag to help transform a neglected patch of land into a sanctuary for families with disabled children.
The outdoor space at the charity’s new centre in Thames Valley Park is destined to become a fully inclusive, sensory-focused and immersive garden.
Its current garden area is unfit for purpose, but the sleep out aims to change that.
Funds raised will be used to design a space where children of all abilities can play, explore and relax.
Once completed, it will be a vibrant, uplifting garden filled with interactive elements, and adapted play equipment offering families a safe, welcoming space to spend time together completely free of charge.
While the challenge of spending a night outdoors is simple, the purpose behind it is profound.
And the temporary discomfort will create a lasting legacy of connection for families who often struggle to find inclusive, accessible outdoor spaces.
Head of fundraising at the charity Jason McMahon said: “One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing what happens when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
“This March, we’re inviting the borough to do something a little different and a little outside of their comfort zone.
“The garden will become a place of laughter, play, discovery and connection for the families we support.
“And everyone who takes part will know they played a part in making it possible.
“Together, we can turn one night outside into something that will bring smiles and unforgettable moments for families for many years to come.”
The event is open to individuals, local businesses, schools, and community groups.
For those unable to sleep out, the charity is greatly encouraged by the generosity of those wishing to make a donation or sponsor a participant.
Two TVP organisations have already pledged their support, with Knight Frank spending a day clearing the garden to make it habitable and safe for the sleepers, and David Lloyd Reading offering to keep the night going with a warm place to gather over soup or hot chocolate.
Every pound raised will go directly towards the construction of the new garden, ensuring that ‘children can simply be children’ in a space designed with their specific needs at its heart.
The sleep out will take place at Building for the Future’s new charity hub, 1 Thames Valley Park Drive, Earley, on Friday, March 27.
We the charity is looking for participants and sponsors, and also anyone to help with the eventual garden project.
To take part, visit: bftf.org.uk/sleepout
To sponsor the project, go to: justgiving.com/campaign/tvp-sleep-out
