KIND-hearted Scots are being urged to assist an appeal to assist people who are homeless – today!
Over 500 sleeping bags are being sought by the Scots homelessness charity, Simon Community Scotland, as part of a wider appeal asking the general public to donate rucksacks and handbags full of essential items, such as food, clothes and toiletries.
Volunteers at two venues in Glasgow will today receive donations to the charity’s first-ever Rucksack and Handbag Appeal, which it hopes will become an annual event, as it seeks to provide practical solutions for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
The venues are at 24 Rosyth Road, Shawfield, and The Barn Youth Centre, 37 Abbotsford Place, Gorbals. Donations are being accepted during this afternoon.
The charity has produced a promotional video, starring the comedian, writer and actor, Moray Hunter.
Said Hunter: “Sometimes, I can’t face taking the dog out for a walk when the weather’s a bit rough, so I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like to be out there all the time.
“Please help those living on the streets by supporting the Simon Community Rucksack and Handbag Appeal.”
Simon Community Scotland delivers around 170,000 hours of support every year and engages with up to 3,000 people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. It also operates eight residential facilities, including in North Ayrshire and North Lanarkshire.
In Glasgow alone, its ‘Street Team’ works with around 150 rough sleepers every month, with up to 40 new cases each month.
Added Hugh Hill, director of Services at Simon Community Scotland: “Rough sleeping is bad for your physical and mental health; it’s unsafe, it’s risky and it’s scary.
“With winter beginning to bite, it just gets worse. We need donations and support.”
For more details of the types of items being sought by the Rucksack and Handbag Appeal, visit www.simonscotland.org.
The promotional video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16c9Z8E_lTg
Notes to editors:
For more information, contact Hugh Hill, director of Services at Simon Community Scotland, on 07713 881 441 or 0141 418 6980, email hugh.hill@simonscotland.org.
Hugh Hill, along with Simon Community Scotland chief executive, Lorraine McGrath, are available for interview, as are a number of former and current service users.
Image by Euan Robertson.
ENDS
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Simon Community Scotland contact details…
Contact: Lorraine McGrath
