U-Turn’s ‘Night on the Street’ virtual campaign urges community participation to combat homelessness

With the winter winds bringing spells of rain and icy temperatures, U-Turn launched its Night on the Street, inviting the community to a virtual campaign by camping outdoors on Saturday 18 May and experiencing the harsh reality of homelessness first hand.

U-Turn believes that participation in this campaign is integral to drive out homelessness as this is the time of year the elements make it even more difficult to eke out a living on the streets.

Bold step

In promoting this awareness, U-Turn shared: “That’s why we’re inviting you to be part of our ‘Night on the Street’ campaign in partnership with BMW Constantia and SMG. Take the bold step and spend one night outdoors together with your family and pets, help raise awareness in your backyard!”

Their Chief Communications Officer Valerie Govender told People’s Post the campaign has taken off really well with the general public.

“People are fascinated about the idea of experiencing the reality of homelessness for themselves, and that’s one of our objectives for the campaign, to create an awareness of homelessness.”

She said schools, churches and businesses have engaged with U-Turn to come on board for the virtual event.

READ: Beating homelessness: U-Turn helps many in Claremont, Cape Town

Be aware

Lawrence Herbert from BMW Constantia said it’s imperative to be aware and attuned to the needs of those less fortunate in the communty’s vicinity.

“On a daily basis, we witness the hardships endured by those living on the streets, and it’s easy for this to be seen as the norm amidst the routine of our work lives. We therefore welcomed the opportunity to engage with U-Turn Homeless Ministries and come up with concrete ways to contribute to their efforts at addressing the issue of homelessness in Claremont and the greater city,” shared Herbert.

This motor dealership also hosts a drop-off point for preloved clothing and other donations that get transferred to U-Turn Charity Shops.

“We are hoping that politicians too will take some time off their campaigning for elections to lend support to this integral initiative – as custodians of communities, they can meaningfully impact this social ill, so we hope that they will answer this call and sleep out on 18 May too,” Govender continued.

Ward 59 councillor Mikhail Manuel is a big supporter of U-Turn’s local efforts.

“In Ward 59, I constantly encourage people to donate and contribute to U-Turn’s efforts, whether it is through something like the Night on the Streets events or their comedy fundraising events that happens every now and again at the Vineyard Hotel.

“Or even through buying vouchers because the real solution to the challenges that we find are associated with people that sleep on the streets, is being a society that is caring,” Manuel encouraged.

Staff of U-turn will be sleeping out on the pavement in Claremont together with the CEO Jean-Ray Knighton Fitt.

Various locations

“Our champions will be there too, advising and sharing their own experiences with participants on the night to help them get through the night. Staff who aren’t physically there will be at various locations sleeping out ‘virtually’.

“We are excited that we have participants in the United Kingdom and Norway too who are supporting and promoting this event,” Govender added with glee.

The public’s participation in this campaign is integral to drive out homelessness.

READ: U-Turn’s donors breakfast speaks to recruiting new donors

“We hope to raise a ton of goods in kind for this campaign. Businesses can play a significant role here – a collection point has already been set-up at the BMW dealership so we are asking for generosity.”

For those wishing to partner, reach out directly to Govender or find all the information on their website www.homeless.org.za

“This is one night only – don’t miss the opportunity to make a difference,” appealed Govender.