Homelessness charity Sanctuary Trust’s annual ‘Sleep Out’ event, which sees islanders abandon the comfort of their homes for a night at Pier Road, is due to go ahead tonight.
Trustee Debbie Prosser said this would be her second year spending the night at the car park.
Last year’s event was particularly successful, she said, with “around 85 or 90” participants – including several politicians – and a total of around £60,000 raised.
Pictured: The 2022 event drew around 85-90 participants (pic supplied)
“It’s a hard act to follow,” she said, going on to explain that the recent Storm Ciarán may have affected sign-ups.
This year, the charity made a particular appeal to the ‘C-suite’, inviting executives to join in. Representatives of Standard Bank, Mourants, Rathbones and Quilter Cheviot have signed up.
That challenge has taken on a life of its own, Debbie said, with executives swapping the top floor office for cardboard on the floor, and raising as many funds as they can.
“We’ve got quite a good competition going,” Debbie said.
Young people under 16 have also been encouraged to take part, she said, although they must be accompanied by an adult.
Pictured: Debbie Prosser (right) took part for the first time in 2022 (pic supplied)
Though the event aims to replicate the experience of homelessness, even if just for one night, Debbie said they are well-cared for – with warm soup prepared by Highlands College students, as well as police presence for the safety of participants.
Fungi Delecti and Coopers Coffee helped with the provision of the meals. Though breakfast time is early – starting around 5.30am or 6am – Debbie said she had woken up with “a warm glow” from having taken part and raised money.
There will also be musical accompaniment throughout the evening – and this year Vini Jones has even come up with a special song.