On Friday evening - the 4th of December, Mrs Linforth and Mr Taylor of the Geography department took to the cold and wet streets of Cardiff. The reason was not to join in the Christmas revelry - but along with 35 sixth form students - they were out to raise money and awareness for the homelessness issue, which affects too many towns and cities up and down the length of the country.
As part of the Geography AS/A2 course, which studies the sustainability of cities, as well as IB - knowing from the 'knowers' perspective, the students had readily volunteered to sign up for the all-nighter. The pro-active Interact group were also keen to be involved; so meeting at 9 o'clock on Friday evening, we gathered with various forms of shelter and cardboard. We were under the auspicious of the long running Homelessness charity - Huggard Centre - and the staffs of the charity were on hand all night to answer questions about the problem of homelessness in the Cardiff area. We started the evening with a rousing singing of Christmas carols - and a talk from some of the Huggard group trustees. It reminded us of the need for such events, as we raise the badly needed funds for over 130 people to receive a Christmas dinner this year, as well as having shelter during the night over the winter period.
The students set up 'home' and we settled in for the night - we were located at the back of the Marks & Spencer store off Charles Street, and it appeared to be a popular route for the party set of Cardiff. The wet weather meant we were literally being walked over, as we had chosen some of the relatively drier spots to pitch camp. The sights and sounds of our all night vigil were quite interesting, with most people giving us their verbal and financial support, however there were a few who thought we were queuing for a sale in the store next morning!
With very little sleep, but with much reflection, we eventually packed up our belongings around 6am, and gathered in the nearby church for a celebratory talk form Richard Edwards of Huggard. The students were shattered, as were Mr Taylor and myself. We all trudged home knowing that the money we raised as well as the profile, was only a small dent in the growing needs of the homeless in the area. One of the many impressions left with us that night was the pride in our students - who once again, act on their passions for those less fortunate than themselves.
The organisers of the event mentioned on quite a few occasions that the vast number of young people who were willing to come out on such a cold and wet night, to try to make a difference, heartened them. A big thank you to those who have sponsored us for the event - and for those parents who trusted the staff with their children!!
We know Christmas is a time for giving, and what better time to give time to those who spend every night on the streets of our city - with no choice at all. We wish you all a Merry Christmas, and invite those who wish to join us next year - Sixth Form only (sorry), to get in touch with the Geography Department.
