Helping to end homelessness can take so many forms. Every person, no matter who you are, has the ability to play a role in supporting the work of Bethany Christian Trust.
There are tried and tested ways of fundraising. These often involve individual feats of endurance such as doing a sponsored run or taking part in our annual Sleep Out. Other times, people use their baking skills to raise funds – hosting coffee mornings or bake sales. Of course, the common ingredient of all these must always be to have fun. The Bethany Cup was no different.
Colin Campbell, Community Development worker with Bethany’s Inspiring Leith, recently attended The Bethany Cup fundraising event in Edinburgh. Read his report as he reflects on how we can have fun, use our passions, and involve our communities in ending homelessness in Scotland.
Central Church Football Club at The Bethany Cup football fundraiser, Edinburgh, June 2023
For some time now Bethany has been the chosen charity partner of Central FC, the football team belonging to Central Church in Tollcross, Edinburgh. Football is a great way to bring people together and create community and as part of that community the football team has been finding innovative ways to support our work.
The most recent innovation was a sponsored cup match between Central FC and local rivals Barclay FC. Both teams were well supported by their respective fans and with a cup to play for (and of course the bragging rights that come with it!) the game was competitive and hard fought.
Barclay had the best of it for the first half going in 2–1. Half-time allowed both players and supporters to catch their breath and sample some of the wonderful home baking on offer. During the break, our Community Development Worker, Colin Campbell, shared some of the ways Bethany meets the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness but also how Bethany is working across the country to help prevent people from falling into the traps that can lead to homelessness.
A hot meal and a safe place to sleep are part of the essential provisions of Bethany’s Rapid Re-accommodation Welcome Centre, one of our Crisis Intervention services.
The second half was no different to the first with both sides battling for the ascendancy. Just as it looked like we were heading to penalties, Central bagged two goals, ending the match 3-2.
While the final score was important the best result was that, thanks to the generosity of all involved, £1830.05 was raised to support our work. A score line that both teams could celebrate.
We encourage you to have a think about creative ways you could get involved with supporting our work in ending homelessness in Scotland, one person at a time.
What are your passions? What brings joy to the communities you are part of?
Fundraising for Bethany Christian Trust can take so many different forms. What are your passions? What brings joy to the communities you are part of? Maybe consider how you might be able to create a fun way to support our work.
Get in touch with our events team at supporters@bethanychristiantrust.com for advice and support, or get involved this summer with our 40 for 40 campaign, inspired by Bethany’s 40th birthday!
Whatever you get up to, we’d love to hear about it.