Island pupils raise awareness of homelessness in Scotland

Pupils, parents and staff at a Highland Council Primary school on the island of Raasay are helping to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people in Scotland.

Head Teacher, Wilma Duncan explained: “Our 8 pupils and their parents will be sleeping in the school on Friday 9 November 2018 - supported by myself - and cooking tea at the school on basic facilities from the contents of a food parcel, as many homeless people have to do.

“This project has been a joint venture organised by the Parent Council and supported by the school. We have asked parents, carers and the local community to donate items for the food parcels which are typically made up of tinned and dried low cost foods such as rice, pasta, and tinned vegetables. A box is available in Raasay Community Stores where donations can be left.”

She added: “The aim of the activity is to raise money for ‘Social Bites Wee Sleep Out’. The pupils will also be running a Wee Bite Pop Up Café in Raasay Community Hall on the 9th November from 2pm to 4pm serving home baking and refreshments. All are welcome!”

Cllr Andrew Baxter, Chair of the Council’s Care, Learning and Housing Committee added: “Every day I hear about further examples of the campaigns and projects our young people are organising. Young people across the Highlands are inspirational! In this Year of Young People we could all learn by the example set to us by the pupils on Raasay.”

Social Bites Wee Sleep Out is a national fundraising campaign for 8 to 16 year olds who want to join the Social Bite Fund (SC045232) registered charity on their mission to end homelessness in Scotland.

To support Raasay Primary in their Wee Sleep visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RaasayPrimary