MEMBERS of a community are planning to sleep outside this week to try and collect things for a charity supporting homeless people.
Graham Lynas, from Brandon, decided to organise the event a few weeks ago to try and get people in the village to donate thermals, flasks and blankets to give to homeless people this winter.
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Originally scheduled to take place at Addison Park, in Browney, it will now take place at Brandon United Football Club and as well as asking for donations, those involved are also raising money to give to the Durham branch of Shelter.
Mr Lynas said the idea had been well received when he posted about it in a group on social media.
He said: “For the last couple of years people have said we should do something in the community to get gear together for the homeless people.
"I was watching TV a few weeks ago and I thought how is the time to do it. I put it out there to ask people if they would be willing and sure enough there has been lots of positive feedback.
"We see people sleeping in doorways and I wanted to do something to show we are thinking about them this Christmas."
The event takes place on Friday. People will be at Addison Park from 6pm to 8pm, where people can make donations.
The group will then go to the football club for the rest of the night, where they will be sleeping outside.
Will Blacklock, from Brandon United, said: “I am really pleased that the club has the chance to again work with the community in support a fantastic cause.
“Raising awareness of homeless people at this time of year really matters and is becoming a greater problem within the area.
“We hope to see many people at the football ground to support and hopefully anyone who is affected by homelessness will also join us for a hot drink.”
Donations can be brought on the night or they can also be dropped off at Joanne’s Salon, in Commercial Street, and Rio Verde, in Frederick Street.
Mr Lynas added his thanks to the football club and to the businesses which have agreed to take donations.
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