Cullen call to help in fight against homelessness
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A LAST call has gone to for those wanting to join in a local event which is forming part of the global fight against homelessness.
Cullen will be bedding down alongside cities such as Edinburgh, New York and Brisbane in December when they take part in one of the biggest events to raise awareness of the global fight against homelessness.
The World's Big Sleep Out was started by Josh Littlejohn MBE, the co-founder of the Scotland-based charity, Social Bites, which began as a small sandwich shop in Edinburgh that started offering employment and free food to homeless people.
On Saturday, December 7, people from all over the world will spend a night under the stars, or in town and village halls around the world, to draw attention to the millions of people who are without a home.
Along with the rest of the world, Cullen's very own Little Sleep Out, which is registered with the global event, will take place at the Community Centre in the town. Participants will sleep outside, though in the event of poor weather will go into the hall to end their sleep.
The event will be amply supported by staff and provided with snacks and breakfast. Various local companies, including Asda, Walkers, Speyside Specialities, Baxter’s, Cullen Co-op, have offered assistance to the event as well as organisations such as Outfit Moray who will stand by on first aid duties.
There is a £10 fee to cover basic costs and any excess will go to Moray Fresh Start who are working in conjunction with Cullen. They support homeless people moving into a new tenancy in Moray by providing a pack of basic household items that help make a new beginning. They also support other people in times of need, such as coming home from hospital or other emergency situation.
Shelter Scotland statistics show that in 2018-19, almost 30,000 households were assessed as homeless by their local authority. This equates to a household losing their home every 17.5 minutes. More than 14,000 children were in households assessed as homeless.
Street homelessness affects people in every region of the world. By joining the World's Big Sleep Out locally participants will be at the forefront of the global fight against homelessness, raising awareness and funds to tackle the issue in their area and for vulnerable refugees internationally.
Anyone interested in taking part should contact Cullen Community Centre on (01542) 840701, or by email on info@cullencrc.org.uk by Wednesday, November 13.
