Fundraisers defy Storm Ciara to take part in the Inverness Sleep Out
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ALMOST a dozen hardy souls braved the elements in Inverness last weekend to raise money for homeless children.
Eleven people took part in the Inverness Sleep Out, layering up in their sleeping bags outside the Tesco Extra store at Inverness Shopping Park on Saturday night.
Organised by MFR Cash for Kids, participants raised more than £2260 in online donations ahead of the event, and further contributions dropped into buckets on the night are still being counted.
Live band Biro Thieves provided some entertainment for the sleepers early in the evening and hot food and drinks were also handed out to help keep spirits up during what was a very wet and windy night as Storm Ciara battered the country.
MFR charity executive Allana Mackay said: “The event was excellent despite the weather.
“We had to make a few adjustments to the format, so we brought the band inside the front door of Tesco and they did a two-hour set while collecting donations.
“We had 11 participants in total and I was amazed how far they travelled – one was from Thurso and another from Aberdeen.
“I am confident we will smash the £2500 mark, which is a tremendous amount of money for such a small group of fundraisers.
“One participant in particular said to me ‘I am doing this event to give something back as MFR Cash for Kids helped me when I was homeless.’ That’s why events like these are so important, as every penny raised locally stays locally and really does turn people’s lives around.
“Pizza Hut in Strothers Lane very kindly donated pizza to all the participants too, which was a lovely gesture.”
Liz Sutherland of Tesco Extra, who helped organise the event, said: “We want to raise awareness about children and young people who find themselves homeless.
“We really want to make this a regular event and to make it grow.”
Related article: Weekend sleep out at Tesco Extra in Inverness to support MFR Cash for Kids
