Cold weather scuppers charity sleep-out
A HOMELESSNESS charity has been criticised for cancelling a sponsored sleep-out because it is too cold.
Framework's Big Snore event, where people are sponsored to spend a night under the stars, was due to take place today but the charity has postponed it until March.
-
Mentally tough: Malcolme Greene, 47, said Framework were wrong to cancel the sleep-out.
It was due to take place outside St Mark's Church, Mansfield, with the aim of raising £20,000.
Greg Tomlinson, 37, of Chilwell, has volunteered with the YMCA to support homeless people, and said he thought Framework was sending out the wrong message.
Landlords let us advertise your property and find you vetted tenants quickly. Our let only service is £195.
We offer full management services as well as rent guarantee and rent advance. Call us
Terms: No hidden charges, you will be informed of all costs in advance. The letting agency you can trust.
Contact: 0115 8969582
Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013
He said: "What will people who are sleeping on the street tonight think about the charity's decision?"
He described it as "disrespectful".
Mr Tomlinson spoke to Framework staff who said they wanted to raise as much money as possible and that children who were planning on sleeping out would not be able to because of the weather.
Mr Tomlinson said: "Why don't they do an adult-only sleep out instead? I'd be up for it."
John Tween, Framework support and communications officer, said: "We have had a number of enquiries.
"It wasn't a decision we took lightly. Ultimately, we want to raise as much money as possible and some of the younger and older volunteers wouldn't have been able to sleep at these temperatures.
"Our volunteers are incredibly brave and the majority of them would have gone ahead with the sleep-out regardless of how cold it is.
"But we also have to take into account that a number aren't capable of sleeping in these conditions.
Malcolme Greene, 47, a Big Issue seller, sleeps rough in Nottingham and thinks Framework are wrong.
He said you needed to be mentally programmed to sleep in the cold, adding: "It's in the head, not the feet. They should be sleeping out tonight."
Framework helped more than 9,000 homeless people in the East Midlands last year and raised £350,000.
Do you agree with the decision to postpone the sleep-out? Email newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
Comments