On 12 October, Kent Scouts held the County’s largest ever Sponsored Sleep Out in aid of Porchlight, Kent’s homelessness charity.
The event was held at 1st St Lawrence Scout HQ, at the rear of 3 Nethercourt Farm Road in Ramsgate and local MP, Craig Mackinlay, attended to offer his support.
The Scouts expected to raise over £125,000 for Porchlight with up to 3,000 Cubs, Scouts and Explorers taking part in the event, not just in the South Thanet constituency, but around Kent.
In 2016/17 Porchlight found accommodation for 84% of the 707 rough sleepers they found in Kent, giving them a new start in life. The biggest demographic rise was in young people, aged 18-24.
Craig Mackinlay MP commented:
“Just one person without a roof over their head in Thanet is one too many, and it is vitally important that the most vulnerable people in society, including homeless people and rough sleepers, are helped to get their lives back on track.
“That’s why it was great to see our local Cubs, Scouts and Explorers raising funds for Portchlight, a charity that plays such a crucial role in supporting the homeless, and tackling homelessness, in Kent.
“Our Scouts have supported Porchlight for years and I was very keen to assist their latest fund-raising initiative.”