Successful sleepout in aid of Wayside Club centre

Silverburn staff were joined by Cllr Rashid Hussain and Wayside Club Centre management committee member, Bill McCormick

The 30 staff – from retailers including Nando’s, Fat Face, and Thorntons – were joined by Scottish Labour councillor Rashid Hussain and Wayside Club Centre management committee member, Bill McCormick.

The charitable sleepout took place in Silverburn’s multi-storey car park and raised a total of £6,145 more than double Silverburn’s target. Those taking part had minimal home comforts and were required to sleep on the cold concrete flooring of the car park.

David Pierotti, general manager of Silverburn, said: “The sleepout will give some of our charitable staff and retailers a glimpse of the hardship faced by Glasgow’s homeless population on a nightly basis. The recent cold snap across Scotland has brought the homeless issue to the forefront of the public conscience and we are delighted to help raise money for those facing the harsh reality of sleeping rough.

“Having worked with The Wayside Club in the past, through volunteering and donation of hats, gloves and winter essentials, we are excited to do more in aid of the charity. All money raised will help those that rely on this amazing and important charity.”

Rashid Hussain, Scottish Labour councillor said: “Silverburn’s sleepout raises awareness on a serious issue and I commend everyone who took part. Although I only experienced one night, it offered a glimpse into the harsh reality that thousands of people sleeping on the streets face every day. By taking part in this activity I hope to increase awareness on Scotland’s homelessness issue and raise vital funds for a charity that helps those in desperate need.”

The Wayside Club Centre provides support to the homeless, as well as those suffering from alcohol or gambling addiction seven days a week. Up to 80 people receive a free meal each day, with those who attend being given a free soup, tea, coffee, and juice, as well as sandwiches donated from Pret A Manger; while cakes and biscuits are donated from Lightbody.

Last year there were 11,800 people across Scotland either sleeping rough, sofa-surfing, sleeping in cars, or hostels.

100 per cent of the money raised will go to the charity, The Wayside Club centre, which receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of the public to keep its doors open.