Homeless charity Aberdeen Cyrenians and Union Square have teamed up to help the city’s most vulnerable people – by hosting SleepOut 2019 in the shopping centre’s multi-storey car park.
The annual sponsored event will take place next month – and dozens are expected to brave the elements overnight to raise money to support the provision of homelessness services in the city.
Participants will spend the night of Friday, October 11 in Level 2 two of the car park, with just a sleeping bag and some cardboard for comfort.
Kate Loades, Aberdeen Cyrenians fundraising manager, said:
“We’re thrilled to be working with Union Square to put on this year’s SleepOut - the centre is such an important building in the city, and that makes it a great venue for the event.
“The SleepOut will give people the opportunity to experience what it is like to sleep outdoors and go without heating and a comfy bed.
“The car park is covered but we can’t predict what the weather will be like in October – we imagine it will be a cold, damp and uncomfortable night but hope that it will be one that raises awareness and vital funds to support those in the city who are most in need.
‘We’d love as many local people to get involved as possible – individuals are welcome as well as groups, teams of co-workers and friends.”
Each year, over 1,000 people access the hardship services provided by the charity. As well as specialist support and advice they supply on average 500 cooked meals and 300 food parcels each month, along with access to hot showers, clothing and toiletries to those without secure housing.
Union Square general manager, Ryan Manson, added: “Homelessness is a growing issue in Aberdeen and the work of Aberdeen Cyrenians continues to help to highlight the plight of people in less fortunate circumstances in our city.
“As well as using our car park for the event, a number of our team members will be taking part to show their support in raising awareness for the charity and the work it does. We’re encouraging any of our regular shoppers who would like to support the cause to think about getting involved.”
People can sign up for the event online at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aberdeen-sleepout-2019-tickets-67041213073 - a £15.00 entry fee is required.
For more information about getting involved, contact Kate at fundraising@aberdeen-cyrenians.org or 01224 625732.
Aberdeen Cyrenians will also have a pop-up information stand in Union Square on Saturday, September 7, 2019 between 9.00am – 6.00pm, where people can find out more about the event.
