A COLD night sleeping outside raised a heart-warming sum for charity thanks to the efforts of a Saltcoats woman.
Fiona Garry was part of a ‘dream team’ featuring SCQF Partnership staff who took part in Action for Children Scotland’s Boycott Your Bed challenge on Friday, October 4.
Together, they raised an impressive £2,280 by spending the night sleeping out in Glasgow’s Blythswood Square Gardens with only a sleeping mat and bag to protect them from the elements.
Fiona said: “What an unforgettable night! Despite the cold, it was an incredibly rewarding experience knowing we were making a real difference.
“At SCQF Partnership, we're all about supporting young people to secure brighter futures, and being able to help Action for Children Scotland in this way feels amazing. The funds we’ve raised will go towards their vital work, bringing hope and opportunities to even more children."
She said: "We’re incredibly grateful to SCQF Partnership for their ongoing support and to the colleagues who undertook this year’s Boycott your Bed challenge to raise money for Action for Children.
“So far, Friday’s sleep out has raised more than £40,000, which will have a life-changing impact on the children and families we support, allowing us to offer practical help like a hot meal or warm clothes this winter.
“The fund-raising efforts of our supporters are essential to our work helping families across Scotland, and it’s so heartening after 17 years of the event in Glasgow to see the supporter community remain strong and welcome newcomers – we cannot wait to welcome them back next year.”
Boycott Your Bed took place just days before the start of Challenge Poverty Week, which concludes on Sunday, October 13. The week aims to highlight the injustice of poverty in Scotland, and to show that collective action based on justice and compassion can create solutions.
The SCQF Partnership has been supporting Action for Children Scotland as their partner charity throughout the year. Boycott Your Bed was a unique way for the team to show their commitment to the charity, which provides practical and emotional care, and ensures the voices of children and young people are heard.
To continue supporting the team’s fund-raising efforts, visit the JustGiving page at justgiving.com/team/scqfp
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