Ex-Rangers player urges fans to sleep under stadium stars for fundraiser

Rangers fans are being invited to sleep under the stars at Ibrox Stadium to raise money for the street homeless.

The Rangers Charity Foundation's Big Ibrox Sleep Outs will take place on Friday and Saturday, November 15 and16, with participants spending the night on the technical area pitch-side or in the stand (under cover) if the weather is wet.

The aim is to give supporters a glimpse of the conditions faced by those who are street homeless.

Former Rangers player Marvin Andrews has described the Sleep Out atmosphere as 'incredible' and encouraged sign-ups for this year's instalment (Image: Supplied)

Half of the funds raised will go to Glasgow City Mission and Simon Community Scotland, with the rest supporting the Foundation's own community efforts.

Former player Marvin Andrews, who attended last year's sleep out, is encouraging fans to take part again.

He said: "The atmosphere at the Sleep Outs last year was incredible.

"It was so great to see fans coming together to support such an important cause.

"It is also a special experience to spend the night with fellow fans in Ibrox Stadium!

"Signing up for this month’s Sleep Outs is a great way to take action about a problem we all see on the streets every day.

"It’s difficult to think of people having no safe, warm place to go, and having to sleep outside when the nights get colder.

The Sleep Outs will take place on Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16 (Image: Supplied)

"But we can do something about it by supporting the Rangers Charity Foundation’s Community Charity Partners, Glasgow City Mission and Simon Community Scotland.

"Both charities do incredible work in our city to address the causes and effects of homelessness and help people with no alternative than to sleep rough, or those in temporary accommodation."

The Foundation has been partnered with Glasgow City Mission for 10 years, and has traditionally supported the charity’s Winter Project.

This year, Glasgow City Mission'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.

Simon Community Scotland provides support for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and will use funds from the Sleep Outs to support the charity's new Connect Hub for women experiencing homelessness in Glasgow.

Connal Cochrane, Rangers Charity Foundation chief executive, said: "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, while the Foundation will provide hot soup and beverages in the evening, as well as a hot breakfast in the morning.

As places are limited, the Foundation is 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.

Those wishing to sign up can do so at www.rangerscharity.org.uk