Twenty-six participants, including 15 of school age, huddled down among sleeping bags and cardboard boxes for the annual event to raise awareness of homelessness and funds for the Airdrie charity’s work.
Freezing temperatures of minus-one degrees weren’t enough to dissuade the brave souls who took part in the fifth Diamonds in the Community sponsored sleepout.
Twenty-six people, including 15 of school age, huddled down among sleeping bags and cardboard boxes for the annual event to raise awareness of homelessness and funds for the Airdrie charity’s work.
The latest fundraiser collected more than £2000 at what the organisation says is a “crucial time” for its work.
Everyone involved spent 12 hours sleeping on Graham Street in Airdrie town centre in the chilly winter weather, with hundreds of pounds continuing to flood in, while local businesses also lent their support.
With poverty levels and homelessness on the rise, Diamonds in the Community raise funds for local people and families via their Baby & Family Clothing Aid.
This not only helps with clothing, but also a number of other items, including shoes, toiletries, baby nappies and equipment and household appliances and furniture.
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A Diamonds in the Community spokesman told Lanarkshire Live: “We had 12 youngsters from Caldervale High School taking part, who have chosen us as their nominated charity for their YPI project.
“There was also a family, the Watts, who had three generations involved in the sleepout.
“Two people had already experienced homelessness and one attendee had been housebound for nine years due to poor mental health up until two weeks previously when she attended our Chit Chat Cafe, so this was a huge step for her.
“We make the sleepout as realistic as possible, which is why we do it so close to winter when it’s cold, and on the streets rather than within the confines of a football stadium.
“This year’s event raised over £2000 at a crucial time for us and we’d like to thank everyone who took part and donated for their incredible kindness and support.”
The sleepout’s fundraising page is at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ditc-sponsored-sleep-out-2025 and more information on Diamonds in the Community is available via their Facebook page.
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