Scottish Catholic Observer

The Wayside Club, a homeless refuge run by the Legion of Mary, was given the boost in funds from the great efforts of Silverburn shopping centre in Glasgow’s Southside.

Silverburn staff braved bitter temperatures on Thursday March 8 starting from 7pm to 7am on Friday.

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

The charitable sleep out (right) 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 the Silverburn centre, 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 for Pollock, 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 for up to 80 people who 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.

Chairman of the Wayside Club Brian Bonnyman said: “We are delighted with the exceptional efforts of the staff from Silverburn and their supporters who braved the cold conditions to raise so much money.

“This kind of generosity goes a long way in delivering what we do here at the Wayside Club everyday and it is with great humility and gratitude that we accept their donations.”

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

The Wayside Club receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of the public to keep its doors open.

The charity has been operating from Midland Street, Glasgow, since 1932.

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