Living in a Box.. a Cardboard Box

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Local councillor is raising money for homeless

Ealing Southfield ward Lib Dem Councillor, Gary Malcolm, will be 'homeless' for one night to raise money for and awareness of the work of the YMCA.

The Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Tej Ram Bagha, will open the annual sponsored ''Sleep Easy'' which will take place on Friday 20 March 8pm – 7 am at Christ the Saviour Church, Ealing Broadway.

A YMCA spokesperson said; '' We believe that every young person should have a safe place to stay. Half of people living in homeless services in England are now aged 25 or under; YMCA West London houses over 400 local young people a night, many of whom would otherwise by homeless. We believe that every young person should be able to fulfil their potential. YMCA West London provides support and training to help young people move onto independent living. By sleeping rough on 20 March, we’ll raise funds to provide support for young people that we couldn’t otherwise afford, and also raise awareness of youth homelessness in West London.”

Councillor Gary Malcolm said: "The YMCA do a great job at preventing many people in Ealing from becoming homeless. Speaking to people who became homeless it is clear that it only takes a one or two bad turns of luck for us to become homeless.  Even though I will be homeless for less than a day it gives you a lot of empathy for those who are homeless. I have great respect for the YMCA and those who have turned the corner and are now mentors to those who are at risk from becoming homeless."

Last year Cllr Malcolm raised the most of anyone attending the event, and he is looking to raise more than £500.

7th March 2015