News

The latest Scottish Government homelessness statistics have led one of our Community Charity Partners, Simon Community Scotland, to take the unprecedented step of declaring a ‘People Emergency’.

Over 40,000 homelessness applications have been made over the 2023-24 period, an increase of over 1,000 compared to 2022-23, and the highest since 2011-12. On 31 March 2024, 16,330 households were living in temporary accommodation, a figure which is 9% higher than the previous year.

Against the backdrop of these shocking figures, the Foundation believes it is more important than ever to support our Community Charity Partners, Glasgow City Mission and Simon Community Scotland, who both do incredible work in our city with those experiencing homelessness.

Our fans have always backed these causes and supported our Big Ibrox Sleep Outs, and we hope this year’s events, which will take place on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 November, will be no different.

This is your opportunity to sleep outside overnight in our iconic Stadium while raising money for those affected by homelessness.

Sleep Out participants will spend the night either on the technical area pitch-side or in the stand (under cover) if the weather is wet and will get a small glimpse of the nightly conditions experienced by people in our city who are street homeless.

Half the funds raised will benefit the work of Glasgow City Mission and Simon Community Scotland, with the other half of the profits supporting the Rangers Charity Foundation’s life-changing work in the community.

If you can handle spending a cold winter’s night at Ibrox Stadium with just a sleeping bag for warmth, then SIGN UP now and help this very worthy cause!

Our longstanding partnership with Glasgow City Mission is now in its 10th year.  Over the last decade, the Foundation has traditionally supported the charity’s Winter Project – initially a Winter Night Shelter and then the Overnight Welcome Centre during and post Covid.

This year, Glasgow City Mission has instigated a new Winter Project which has the potential to help far more people and ensure that the number of homeless people in temporary accommodation is reduced.

This year’s Winter Project will see the charity’s Housing Settlement Officers advocate for as many of those living in temporary accommodation as possible, meeting them at their accommodation to hear their stories and liaising with the appropriate authorities to move their cases forward.

Glasgow City Mission Fundraising Manager, Jack Geddes, commented: “Glasgow City Mission is extremely grateful to the Rangers Charity Foundation for their ongoing support of those affected by homelessness in Glasgow.

“We also thank the Rangers supporters who will be taking part in the Sleep Outs with such enthusiasm and care for those they are helping.”

Simon Community Scotland believes that everyone deserves a safe place to live and access to the support they need. The charity provides information, care, support, accommodation and homes to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Simon Community Scotland operate a drop-in support hub, helpline, street team and emergency and supported accommodation sites in Glasgow and North Lanarkshire and also operate in Edinburgh and Perth.

Funds raised from this year’s Big Ibrox Sleep Outs will support the charity’s brand new Connect Hub for women experiencing homelessness in Glasgow. This new safe place opened in May 2024 and is already helping 20 to 30 women a day with practical, emotional and psychological support.

We aim to pay the running costs of the Hub for a week and any additional funds raised will boost the charity’s ‘Life Essentials’ stocks which include toiletries, underwear, winter clothing and kettle packs.

Murray Easton, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Simon Community Scotland commented: “Everyone at Simon Community Scotland is delighted to be partnering with the Rangers Charity Foundation once again for the 2024 Big Ibrox Sleep Outs.

“Right now, between 30 and 40 people are rough sleeping in Glasgow every night. Thousands more are staying in emergency and temporary accommodation. The housing emergency is a people emergency, and we need all the help we can get.”

“I really enjoyed attending the start of the Big Ibrox Sleep out last year and meeting so many positive and kind-hearted people who were sleeping out to raise funds for our work and for the other brilliant charities supported through these events.

“I hope to say thanks in person again, but in advance, thanks to all who sign up and all the family, friends and fans who sponsor everyone taking part. You make a real difference.”

Connal Cochrane, Rangers Charity Foundation Chief Executive added: “Homelessness is a cause close to the hearts of our supporters and we are committed to playing our part in trying to end homelessness in the City of Glasgow as well as bring awareness to this important issue.

“Our Big Ibrox Sleep Outs have raised £341,500 in total for homelessness related projects to date thanks to the amazing backing we have received from the Rangers Family and given the dismaying figures announced recently, there has clearly never been a greater need for our support.”

“We’d like to say a huge thank you also to Rangers kit sponsor 32Red, who have again pledged generous support to the Foundation and to every fan taking part in the Sleep Outs.

“32Red will continue to kick-start every participant’s fundraising by donating their first £10 of sponsorship and will sponsor the fantastic hot breakfast provided for everyone in the morning after the event.”

Fans taking part in the Big Ibrox Sleep Out will be asked to bring along warm clothing and a sleeping bag and the Foundation will provide hot soup and beverages in the evening as well as a hot breakfast in the morning.

As places are limited, we are asking all participants to raise a minimum of £100. Anyone who raises £150 or more will become a True Blue Hero and will be invited to receive an exclusive medal from a First Team player at a special reception at Ibrox.

Help us be a force for good in our city and sign up HERE to take part or e-mail rangerscharity@rangers.co.uk  for further information.

A registration fee of £20 per person is applicable. Participants must be over 16. Anyone between the ages 16 and 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

If you are unable to attend Ibrox but would like to donate to our Big Ibrox Sleep Out fundraising, please visit our Just Giving page HERE.