Arran pupils join Sleep in the Park to raise charity cash
On Saturday December 8, four students from Arran High School – accompanied by English teacher Julia Harrison, art and design teacher Tilly Armstrong and AYF leader Graeme Johnston – got to experience first-hand sleeping rough in the name of charity.
Organised by Social Bite, Sleep in the Park was a nationwide event, taking place in Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, where the students spent their night. People who took part in the scheme would sleep outside without the use of tents or other makeshift shelters, so as to better understand what people in this condition would be going through.
Big names
In attendance at the festival were many big names such as singer Amy MacDonald and video appearances from writer Irvine Welsh and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The group of students were successful in raising money for the event, so far totalling £1,125. This money was achieved by a nonschool uniform day, various bake sales, an online fundraising page and by the generosity of the people of Arran who donated. Our online fundraising page will remain open until Christmas eve when the final total from the events will be announced by Social Bite.
While a worthwhile experience for the students, it did seem rather hard-hitting that after one night of sleeping rough those tak- ing part would go back to their beds, their houses, their safety, but for many more this was an experience that they would have to continue to experience for the other 364 days of the year. Proof – if proof were needed – that organisations like Social Bite are needed more and more in these times.
Ms Armstrong added: ‘I would like to say how incredibly proud I am of the young people who worked hard to help raise so much money. They have stood up for what they believe and they have put their community before themselves.
‘I would also like to say a massive thank you to everyone from the Arran community who put their hands in their pockets and helped to support this worthwhile cause.’ There is still time to do- nate at: https://uk.virgin- moneygiving.com/Team/ arran-high-school1