Yorkshire homeless charity raises thousands at annual event

A Yorkshire-based homelessness charity has raised a significant amount of funding and awareness at its annual corporate fundraising event.

Simon on the Streets hosted its yearly Rough Diamond Ball on Thursday 10 May at Crowne Plaza in Leeds. The ball saw 110 local business people and supporters of the charity come together for an evening of live music, a three-course-meal and fundraising.

The main raffle prize on the evening was an uncut ‘rough diamond’, courtesy of Ace Jewellery, as well as a silent-auction with an array of prizes such as holidays and hospitality packages.

Award-winning housebuilder, Duchy Homes, was the headline sponsor of the event, alongside Victoria Gate Casino a gold sponsor, which raised more than £8000 towards the charity’s vital services for rough sleepers across Yorkshire.

Established in 1999, Simon on the Streets is an independent charity, which relies solely on sponsorship, fundraising and donations.

The charity works with local people who are affected by homelessness and rough sleeping in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield. The organisation offers street-support to individuals who have complex needs and cannot access mainstream services, due to behavioural issues or mental illness.

The event saw the Simon on the Streets team and trustees speak about the rising rates of homelessness across the region, and the increasing need for the charity’s services.

Outreach worker, Tracey, shared a touching story of a current service user that has recently moved into his own flat and turned his life around.

Commenting on the event, general manager at Simon on the Streets, Gordon Laing said:

“This year’s event was bigger and better than ever with a staggering 110 attendees joining us and digging deep to support the vital work we do. This contribution will allow us to support those most vulnerable amongst our community. We will continue to offer our complete support to those rough sleepers and rootless that shun or cannot access the help of other services.”

CEO of Duchy Homes, Dave Jones, commented:

“It was a pleasure to support Simon on the Streets to continue to carry out such important work here in our home city of Leeds. I’m hopeful that the thousands of pounds raised will make a difference to the people in need of finding their own home.”

(Image credit: Toolsie Photography)


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About Simon on the Streets

Simon On the Streets is a registered charity (1165317) that focuses on unsupported people with a history of rough sleeping in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield. The team offers street-based, emotional and practical support for those who cannot access mainstream services. Part of Simon on the Streets’ role is tackling the behavioral issues and mental illnesses that result in homelessness and addiction. For more information about the charity, visit www.simononthestreets.co.uk or tweet @simonotstreets.