On Thursday 1st November the One Big Sleep Out took place at Stormont Estate for The Simon Community NI, supported by Q Radio. The Simon Community is Northern Ireland’s leading homeless charity and helped 3,000 people last year alone. Homelessness is a growing issue in Northern Ireland with many hidden homeless who may “sofa surf” or sleep in their cars.
Cullybackey’s very own Miss Sheppard took part in the fundraiser, swapping her bed for a sleeping bag for the night, where temperatures dropped to minus three degrees with a hard ground frost. The week before half term a loose change bucket collection took place daily class to class and during break and lunch. The generous pupils and staff of Cullybackey College managed to raise a fantastic combined £455 for the charity.