Big Brummie campout gets even bigger this summer

SIFA Fireside, Birmingham’s homeless support charity, has announced the return of its flagship fundraiser, the Big Brummie Campout. Previously, the event brought together campers from across the West Midlands and raised over £50,000 for the #SIFASurvives campaign. Now in its third year, the charity has pitched to fire up the same success once more, so it can continue to support homeless and vulnerably housed adults. 

This year, SIFA Fireside are putting education first and encouraging schools across the West Midlands to get their students and their families involved and learning more about homelessness. Improving awareness around the issues of homelessness is a powerful preventative measure and now is the time to start educating the younger generation. 

For participating schools, SIFA Fireside will provide teachers with a presentation about homelessness as well as engaging activities such as “What would you pack in your rucksack,” a homelessness poetry activity and more, all to get the conversation with students started. Those who aren’t of a school age are also invited to participate and help SIFA Fireside to support homeless and vulnerably housed people in Birmingham. 

The Big Brummie Campout takes place in homes and gardens in Birmingham and beyond on Saturday 2 July, with students and their friends and families setting up fundraisers, pledging a small donation and taking part in the digital activities on SIFA Fireside’s website. The pack features a range of activities from some brilliant Birmingham independents, including Plant and Pulse’s plant-based burger recipes, a colouring activity from The Birmingham Colour Palette’s Stacey Barnfield and a Big Brummie Quiz from historian Carl Chinn. 

Dan Wakely, Interim Chief Executive of SIFA Fireside comments: 

“The aftermath of COVID as well as the cost of living crisis has meant that we’ve seen an increase in the number of client presentations here at our Drop-In Centre. This years’ Big Brummie Campout gives us the chance to not only raise funds to keep our essential services running for the increasing number of people in crisis, but also works to prevent homelessness through educating participants of potential causes.”

SIFA Fireside’s Digbeth-based day centre is now seeing approximately 90 individuals on average each day. Many of these people, as well as those that SIFA Fireside still supports from afar, still find themselves alone, isolated and vulnerable. SIFA Fireside is asking for people in Birmingham to stand with them and support those who rely on these vital services by joining together for another evening under the stars.

“The great thing about the campout is that you can do it in your back garden, or in a den made out of pillows in your front room. Either way, you can have some fun whilst also supporting the future of SIFA Fireside. The first campout saw 500 households joining in on the fun by engaging with SIFA Fireside online and getting involved with our activity pack. With schools across Birmingham and the West Midlands getting involved, this could be our biggest Big Brummie Campout yet!”

SIFA Fireside is urging schools, their students and their families to get outdoors and to get camping. The event promises to be great fun for everyone, whilst also raising money for the vital services that many people across Birmingham rely on. Campers can register for the Big Brummie Campout online now and start setting up their own fundraiser. 

To find out how you can support SIFA Fireside and donate to join the Big Brummie Campout, visit https://sifafireside.co.uk/big-brummie-campout/