The youth from the Handelinge Gemeenskap Kerk braved the cold Friday night as part of the Sympathy Sleepout organised by the church and held at Hoërskool Roodepoort. The purpose of the youth spending more than 12 hours in the freezing cold was to raise funds for the Baby Moses Baby Sanctuary.
“We wanted to raise awareness about Baby Moses as well as the plight of those who are suffering every night on the streets in such cold weather, and have nothing,” said Arnest Myburgh, a volunteer from Baby Moses.
The youth, seated around a campfire, only had marshmallows to toast and coffee to drink. No other snacks were allowed. Each member had to bring a blanket, toy or clothes to donate to the Sanctuary. After the sleepout, the participants packed a small food parcel to give to a needy person they met on their way home.
Eleven-year-old Nadie Coetzee was part of the sleepout and said it was a chance to help those who need it the most.
“I am doing this because everyone needs help to get a stable home with parents – and that’s what Baby Moses gives to the children. I dream that one day there won’t be any people, young or old without a roof over their heads,” she said.
The youth members survived the cold night outdoors from 6pm on Friday, 23 June, to 6am the following day.
The community is urged to support the next Sympathy Sleepout, which will be held in July.
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