NewsLFC Foundation's Kip on the Kop raises record-breaking funds to help tackle homelessness
Hundreds of supporters came together at Anfield on Saturday September 26 for this year's fundraising event, with participants spending the night sleeping under the stars in the iconic Kop stand to raise vital funds to help tackle homelessness and to support vulnerable young people.
The event has already become the most successful Kip on the Kop to date, and with fundraising still open for a further month, there’s still time to make a donation and help increase the final total even further.
Funds raised will support LFC Foundation's Pathway to Work programme, which delivers sport-based employability sessions and mentoring for young people who have experienced homelessness. The programme helps participants build confidence, develop valuable life and workplace skills, and take positive steps towards education, training and employment.
A share of the funds will also support the outstanding community outreach and wellbeing work delivered by Liverpool Homeless FC, which uses football as a vehicle to engage and support individuals affected by homelessness and social exclusion.
Participants were joined by a number of Liverpool FC legends and ambassadors who gave up their beds for the night in support of the cause. Former Reds goalkeeper and LFC Foundation community ambassador Chris Kirkland completed the challenge for a fourth consecutive year, while Sammy Lee returned for his second Kip on the Kop event.
Taking part for the first time were former Reds David James, Natasha Dowie, Becky Easton and Niamh Fahey, who all joined supporters and staff on the Kop and helped raise awareness of the importance of tackling homelessness within local communities.
The evening also featured a special performance of You'll Never Walk Alone from Kieo, creating a memorable atmosphere inside Anfield and reinforcing the sense of togetherness that defines the evening each year.
Matt Parish, chief executive of LFC Foundation, said: "Kip on the Kop continues to demonstrate the incredible generosity of our supporters and wider Liverpool FC family. To have already raised more than £120,000, which is a new record for this event, is a fantastic achievement and a testament to everyone who has taken part, donated or supported it.
"The funds raised will have a real and lasting impact through our Pathway to Work programme and the important work of Liverpool Homeless FC, helping people who need support the most."
With fundraising remaining open until the end of October, supporters who were unable to take part in this year's event can still contribute and help make this record-breaking Kip on the Kop even more successful by donating here.
