Twenty-six students and five members of staff from Abingdon & Witney College braved the freezing weather conditions over the weekend to sleep outside at our Abingdon campus, helping to raise awareness and vital funds for the homeless as part of the World’s Big Sleep Out.
The global campaign aims to raise cash to tackle homelessness, with organisers expecting more than 50,000 people to take part and hopes of raising around £38m for homelessness charities.
Over £800 has been raised so far by staff and students, with more donations to come through their Virgin Money Giving page. Students have set themselves the ambitious aim of reaching £1000 in donations for this excellent cause.
Jenny Craig, Vice Principal said: “I am so proud of our staff and students for highlighting the issue of homelessness in this way. The College mission is to change lives and communities and it is fantastic that our staff and students embody this throughout their work with local charities which forms an important part of their studies with us.”
“It is brilliant to be a part of this symbolic event,” said Kathryn Schutterlin, Lecturer in Health and Social Care and organiser of the event at the College.
“It was very humbling to turn on the BBC news once home in the dry this morning to hear that the Big Sleep Out had made national news, and we were part of that event here at Abingdon and Witney College. I am very proud of the students and hope it is something they will talk about for years to come!”
A student from the College said: "We were there walking in the shoes of those who are homeless, but it was just for one night; we were experiencing something that people have to deal with all year round, whatever the weather.”
“We hope by raising this money we can make a difference in some way, no matter how small.”
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