The charity event Abandoned saw 170 sleep rough in cardboard boxes at the Vale Castle on Friday night in aid of disadvantaged children in Africa. Left to right, Tim Pattimore, Chris Monk, Oliver Monk, Jo Winterflood, Charis Roussel, David Roussel and Hannah Devine. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0631675)
A RECORD number of people slept at Vale Castle on Friday night for a charity event entitled Abandoned. One hundred and seventy people turned out in cardboard boxes to raise money and awareness for disadvantaged children in Africa.
Event organiser Louise Smith was astounded by the lengths some people went to when creating their temporary box homes.
‘Last year the event took place within the sunken gardens in St Peter Port and people went to town on their boxes, but this year everyone has really grabbed the bull by the horns and gone full steam ahead,’ said Mrs Smith.
‘We had around 100 people turnout last year but it looks as if we will be doubling that figure tonight.’
Around £10,000 is believed to have been raised through sponsorship, raffles, auctions and other such events.
Gill Langlois and her husband had made a special effort with their box by adding a window and some lighting.
‘Some children would think this to be absolute luxury, and that is very sad,’ she said.
After watching a film documentary on the children in Africa the lights were turned off at 1am and the castle’s temporary residents were left to think about those less fortunate.
Article posted on 1st September, 2008 - 11.30am
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