MK Dons CEO Sleepout returns with new youth challenge to help tackle homelessness
Updated: Sep 24
People across Milton Keynes are being invited to come together in the fight against homelessness by spending a night at Stadium MK this November, as the MK Dons CEO Sleepout returns alongside a brand-new Youth Sleepout Challenge.
Business leaders and community members will swap their beds for sleeping bags and spend a night outdoors in support of people experiencing homelessness, as the event looks to build on 2025’s success which saw the Sleepout smash its fundraising target of £30,000, generating almost £50,000 for homelessness charities.
Hosted by the MK Dons Community Trust, the official charity of MK Dons, this year's programme will begin with the new Youth Sleepout Challenge on Wednesday, November 11, from 6pm to 9pm, followed by the CEO Sleepout on Thursday, November 12, from 8pm to 6am.
Organisers are aiming to raise more than £125,000 this year, with a target of £100,000 through the CEO Sleepout and a further £25,000 through the Youth Sleepout Challenge, competitions and associated fundraising activities.
Money raised will be shared between local organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness, including Shelter MK, UnityMK, YMCA Milton Keynes and the MK Dons Community Trust.
Paul Clark, Chair of MK Dons Community Trust, is taking part for the second straight year.
“Last year’s CEO Sleepout demonstrated just how much Milton Keynes cares about supporting people experiencing homelessness, and we were overwhelmed by the generosity shown across the city”, said Paul.
“This year, we want to build on that success by involving even more people through both the CEO Sleepout and our new Youth Sleepout Challenge.
“The introduction of the Youth Sleepout Challenge will help raise even more funds for local charities, but it will also give young people the opportunity to learn about homelessness.
“We want people of all ages to understand the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and play a part in creating positive change.”
The community-wide initiative brings together people of all ages to raise awareness of homelessness and generate vital funds for local organisations supporting those affected by it. While participants will sleep outdoors, the event is not intended to replicate the experience of homelessness.
The Youth Sleepout Challenge will see schools, cadet groups and youth organisations take part in an evening of education, awareness and fundraising.
Activities will include a stadium tour, player visits, entertainment, encouraging young people to explore the realities of homelessness while learning about the importance of community support.
Participants will also receive an MK Dons T-shirt and a free ticket to an upcoming home match.
MK Dons Chief Executive Neil Hart, said: “As a club, we're passionate about using the platform of MK Dons to bring people together and support causes that make a genuine difference locally.
“We are proud to support our official charity, MK Dons Community Trust, as well as the vital work of the other remarkable local charities that will be involved with this year’s Sleepout.
“I would encourage everyone who can to get involved and help us surpass last year’s fantastic total.”
Councillor Marie Bradburn, who is also a Community Trust Patron, said: “I am delighted to support the MK Youth Sleepout Challenge and the CEO Sleepout.
“Both events will not only raise awareness of homelessness across our City but will also raise valuable funds to address the issue, as well as allowing the MK Dons Community Trust to further their excellent work across Milton Keynes.
“Sadly, too many people across our city face sleeping on the streets, in doorways, on redways and underpasses. We must act to address this societal issue. By getting involved, we can collectively make a huge difference.”
For each cadet, group or individual signing up to the MK Youth Sleepout Challenge, there is a £10 registration fee.
Bookings can be made using the link below:
Participants can register for the CEO Sleepout here:
All fundraising efforts are encouraged to submitted to the JustGiving page:
