Sleeping time at the zoo

22 September 2015

Sleeping time at the zoo

A team of 13 brave men and women from leading UK law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn will swap their beds for sleeping bags this Thursday to spend a night ‘sleeping rough’ at Edinburgh Zoo.

The idea behind the sleep out, organised by the Lady Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Elaine Brand, is to give participants an idea of what it is like to be homeless and raise vital funds for charities that help homeless and vulnerable people into stable housing and employment.

While the Shepherd and Wedderburn team, comprised of partners, fee earners, trainees and staff, brave a cold night amongst lions and chimpanzees, the remaining staff is supporting the fundraising from the relative comfort of their Edinburgh office. So far hundreds of pounds have been raised through office dress-down days and bake sales.

All funds donated in support of ‘Sleep Out at Edinburgh Zoo for Homelessness’ will be donated equally to the ‘The Rock Trust’ and to ‘Four Square’, two charities whose mission is to prevent homelessness, particularly amongst young people and provide front line services across Edinburgh.

Stephen Colliston, Infrastructure Partner at Shepherd and Wedderburn, who organised the firm’s participation said: “It’s great to see people from across the firm coming together to support a very worthy cause. Homelessness remains a pressing issue in our community. Although one night in the cold won’t tell us what it is really like to be homeless, the funds we help to raise will allow two great charities to provide support and shelter for young people facing homelessness in Edinburgh.”

Notes:

  • The Rock Trust works in Edinburgh and the Lothians with young people between the ages of 16- 25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The charity advises, educates and supports young people, helping them to build the personal skills and resources required to make a positive and healthy transition to adulthood, while avoiding or moving on from homelessness.
  • Four Square provides advice, support and shelter to individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless, giving people the help they need to keep their homes, keep their family together and feel a part of society.