Sleep out’s on a Mission

A CHARITY that provides food and shelter to many of the city’s homeless population is staging a “sleep out” on Lothian Road to raise vital funds.

Around 20 members of Edinburgh City Mission will brave the elements on Friday night to boost the coffers of its Basics Bank project, which aims to help the vulnerable people in the Capital by providing a listening ear, food and hygiene items.

Also bedding down on the street will be Forth ward councillor Cammy Day.

In 2011, Edinburgh City Mission received almost 400 new referrals and – with the help of churches, schools and generous individuals donating items – distributed around 24,000kg of food.

Volunteer Mark Wells, 33, has organised the sleep out event, having been on the receiving end of the mission’s assistance four years ago.