More than 2,000 people have already signed up for the Social Bite event
An event which aims to help end rough sleeping in Scotland is on course to raise a mammoth sum.
More than 2,000 people have signed up to sleep rough in Edinburgh this December as part of Sleep in the Park.
The sleepout – organised by Social Bite – has raised £500,000 in just three weeks since it was launched on 30 August.
The world’s largest ever sleep out will take place on Saturday 9 December, and aims to raise £4m and catalyse a movement to eradicate homelessness in Scotland within a five-year period.
Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite co-founder, said: “I am blown away by the kindness of Scotland. It’s been an incredible response to see over 2,000 sign up to take part in Sleep in the Park in just three weeks, raising £500,000 in the process.
“We raised half a million pounds last year at our CEO Sleep Out, and to match this in such a short space of time is testament to the compassion of the people getting behind the event.”
The target amount of £4 million will be invested into housing solutions, addiction support and employment programmes to help people escape homelessness.
The event will take place in Edinburgh’s West Princess Street Gardens and will feature a spectacular live concert with stripped back, acoustic performances from Liam Gallagher, Deacon Blue, Amy Macdonald and Frightened Rabbit. After the music, participants bed down for a cold night in the open.
Comedian Rob Brydon will be hosting the event, John Cleese will be performing a special bedtime story and attendees will also hear from Sir Bob Geldof on his support for the cause. Sir Bob will also be joining participants and sleeping out with a host of other celebrities, sports personalities and figures from across Scotland’s political parties.
