Scouts and Guides’ sleep out raises £6,000 for homeless charity
More than 170 Scouts and Guides slept outside to raise money for Caritas, ahead of this weekend’s Big Skipton Sleep Out.
The 175 young people raised £6,000 for Caritas at the event at Les Mainguy.
The children, aged 10 upwards, built shelters, used bivvy bags and braved the cold to support Caritas’ modular housing project to provide a solution to homelessness in Guernsey.
Bailiwick Scouts volunteer development team lead Jane King said that when the Big Skipton Sleep Out was announced, Scouts felt they had to put on their own for young people.
And Guides were also keen to join in.
‘One of the most impactful parts of this experience has been raising awareness of homelessness in Guernsey,’ she said.
‘Many of our young people and their families were surprised to learn how many islanders lack secure housing.
‘It was a cold and challenging night, but we’re so proud of how everyone rose to the occasion to support Caritas’ important work.’
Charlotte Dunsterville of Skipton said this was a wonderful example of how the community is stepping up to address the homelessness crisis.
‘Events like these not only raise essential funds but also bring attention to a challenge that often goes unseen,’ she said.
Seeing young people embrace this challenge with such determination is truly inspiring.
‘There’s still time for islanders to get involved at this Friday’s event.
‘Whether by signing up to participate, or sponsoring a sleeper, everyone can play a role in making a difference.’
STORM EOWYN
The Big Skipton Sleep Out organisers are not letting Storm Eowyn dampen their enthusiasm. The fifth named storm of this winter has been building in Atlantic and is set to hit the west coast of Ireland tonight.
It will then arrive in the UK early tomorrow, with strong winds and heavy rain in the southwest, and yellow weather warnings have been issued across the UK.
The current forecast for Guernsey sees wind set to die on Friday morning, resulting in a relatively calm Friday night, with some showers. Organisers confirmed they still were planning for the event to go ahead.
Participants will start registering at the KGV from 7pm on Friday for the sleep out.
They will then sleep in the car park until having to vacate the site by 6.30am on Saturday.
While sleeping bags and warm clothes are allowed, blow up mattresses and tents are among the items not allowed.
Participants are encouraged to gather at least £100 sponsorship to get involved in the event.
