Big-heartedbunch
A big-hearted local scout group took part in a ‘wee sleep out’in a bid to combat homelessness.
The 6th East Kilbride Scouts and a group of young volunteers camped out in Righead United Reform Church for the night in support of Social Bite’s ‘End Homelessness’ initiative.
Loaves & Fishes chair Denis Curran MBE joined the youngsters and gave an inspiring talk to reinforce the message that taking part in events like these is vital to raise awareness and help those most in need.
The anti-poverty campaigner said being homeless doesn’t necessarily mean having no roof over your head, with the issue particularly prevalent in young people who, for whatever reason, may have fallen out with a family member and chosen to leave home – not realising the risks.
The event was also attended by Linda Fabiani MSP, Chloe Carmichael from the Scottish Youth Parliament, community councillor Angela Goodlet, Calderglen High School befriender Avril Anderson, East Kilbride South councillor Geri Gray and East Kilbride Central South councillor Collette Stevenson.
“It was really important to take part and join in this initiative particularly as we are celebrating the Year of the Young People and what is more befitting than to have the young people themselves get involved and raise awareness of homelessness in our society,” depute provost Ms Stevenson said.
“Currently, we have 34,792 people in Scotland registered as homeless and by the young people taking part and highlighting this awful statistic it may go some way to reducing this figure.
“We won’t know the final figure raised until the closing date which is Christmas Eve but I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has so far put their support behind this and donated generously.”