After claiming the Premier League 2 Division 1 title last year, Everton's players have achieved another ambitious target they set themselves last year, by raising £230,000 for their "Home Is Where The Heart Is" campaign.
David Unsworth’s team launched the homelessness project last November by sleeping in the stands at Goodison Park on the coldest night of the year.
Since then they have continued to raise awareness and organise fundraising events, while 23 supporters cycled 230 miles from Sligo in Ireland in 36 hours.
The fans raised £60,000 after a £6,680 donation from Seamus Coleman – Everton’s No 23, who moved from Sligo to Everton in 2009 for £60,000.
Watch: how the money was raised
💙 | #EFCU23 have hit their £230,000 'HIWTHI' target. The fundraising drive saw our young Blues take on the battle against homelessness. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/vafXLaOkqN
— Everton (@Everton) August 13, 2017
In total, £244,400 has been collected. Everton in the Community will use the money to purchase and operate a house close to Goodison Park, offering 16 to 23-year-olds who have fallen on hard times a place to stay in Liverpool.
"To be able to finish the project and help the people in Liverpool who need it most, it’s the best and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done," Unsworth said.
"We’ve done something special and we will continue to help, support and fund the project."
