Andy Devaney
Jack Butland is urging Rangers fans to brave the cold this November and take part in the Big Ibrox Sleep Outs, a powerful initiative aimed at tackling homelessness in Glasgow.
The event, backed by 32Red and the Rangers Charity Foundation, invites supporters to swap their beds for the stands of Ibrox Stadium on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th November — giving them a glimpse into the harsh reality faced by those sleeping rough across the city.
To kickstart the effort, 32Red will contribute the first £10 of every participant’s fundraising, continuing its long-standing support of the event.
Butland said: “Over the last 10 years, the Big Ibrox Sleep Outs have made a huge impact on tackling homelessness in Glasgow. These kind of initiatives are invaluable and the work both Rangers Charity Foundation and 32Red do for these is amazing.
As a Club and as players we understand the importance of the community work off the pitch as well as on it and we are proud of our supporters for continuing to take on this challenge or support those who are doing it to help people who don’t have a home to call their own.”
A Decade of Support and £358,000 Raised
Since 2015, the Big Ibrox Sleep Outs have raised over £358,500 for Glasgow’s homeless community, with proceeds split between Glasgow City Mission, Simon Community Scotland, and the Rangers Charity Foundation’s wider community work.
Fans attending the Friday night Sleep Out will also receive a complimentary ticket to Rangers v Celtic Women’s at Ibrox before settling in for the night.
David Henson, Supporter Engagement and Events Executive at the Rangers Charity Foundation, praised the fans’ dedication: “Our supporters have been incredible over the last decade, raising over £358,000 for homeless charities via the Big Ibrox Sleep Outs, as well as additional funds for the Foundation’s own work in the community and with its charity partners.
They have really taken this particular cause to heart. I think homelessness is something many of us see in the city every day, so it really struck a chord with fans and the Sleep Outs were a great way to get involved and do something positive while at the same time having the experience of spending the night in our iconic Stadium. We hope our 11th annual Sleep Outs continue to be a huge success and help two vital causes working to end homelessness in Glasgow.”
Where the Money Goes
Half of the funds raised will support Glasgow City Mission and Simon Community Scotland, while the other half will go toward the Rangers Charity Foundation’s life-changing community programmes.
Glasgow City Mission, the world’s first City Mission, has been at the forefront of compassionate care since 1826, offering people routes out of rough sleeping and access to emergency beds.
Elyse MacKinnon, Project Manager of the Winter Project, said: “The support of the Rangers Charity Foundation over the past decade has been incredible! It has allowed us to expand the winter project and having that extra month each winter has allowed us to support so many people who would have been at risk of rough sleeping.
The Rangers supporters have managed to raise just under £277,000 for Glasgow City Mission alone over the years. To the fans who have taken part over the last decade and the ones who are going to do it this year, I truly just want to say thank you. It’s amazing what the supporters of the Foundation do, and it’s incredible that ten years later they are still supporting the winter project.”
Meanwhile, Simon Community Scotland focuses on ensuring everyone has a safe place to live. Their work provides accommodation, essentials, and emotional support to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Murray Easton, Head of Fundraising and Communications at the charity, added: “The support of the Rangers Charity Foundation has been amazing, as its support we can reply upon. More people are homeless in Scotland now than ever before and we are at the frontline of that.
The last winter was the most challenging we have experienced as a charity – the weather, the number of people rough sleeping or coming into our Hub looking for all kinds of support. To know that we’ve got regular support from the Rangers Charity Foundation is so important.”
This year’s donations will help fund winter clothing, moving-in packs, and essential support for women through the charity’s Connect Hub.
32Red Continues Its Commitment
Through their ongoing partnership, 32Red and parent company FDJ United have contributed more than £56,000 to the Sleep Outs since 2015.
Adam Gaskell, Head of UK Brand Marketing at FDJ United, said: “We are continuing our support of the Big Ibrox Sleep Out by once again contributing the first £10 of sponsorship to every participant. This is an initiative we’ve been proud to support for many years as it aligns with our overall brand message of helping the local community and giving back.
We want to thank everyone who has signed up so far and for supporting such a worthy cause. We hope that we can raise a lot of money to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.”
A Night That Makes a Difference
For Butland, the Big Ibrox Sleep Outs are more than just a charity event — they’re a reminder of what football clubs can do when players, fans, and partners unite behind a common cause.
The goalkeeper’s message is clear: step up, sign up, and make a difference.
Because when Rangers fans sleep out, Glasgow wakes up stronger.
Sign up to take part in this year’s Rangers Big Ibrox Sleep Out here or donate here
