A teenager from Gedling is inviting others to join him on a virtual sleepout to help raise cash for a homeless charity.
14-year-old Isa Biçer is planning to take part in the sleepover on Friday, October 11, the night following World Homeless Day.
A Virtual Sleepout is in support of Framework, the charity working to help people who are homeless across the East Midlands.
Isa became the charity’s first Youth Patron this summer after getting involved in supporting Framework when he took part in the Big Sleep Out with his scout group in 2021.
He has set up a fundraising page to raise cash from the event.
His page explains that ‘the virtual sleepout aims to get everyone involved in a fun way’.
“For one night grab your friends and family and sleep outside in your garden, you can do this under shelter or completely under the stars. The purpose is to experience what it can be like to not have your own bed and raise some money as you do it.’
Isa added: “I am the Youth Patron for Framework and want to help raise awareness about homelessness and rough sleeping whilst raising money to support the charity. My own family was made homeless during the earthquakes in Turkey in 2023 and so I have experienced the impact not having a home has.
“I’m excited for the sleep out and hope it doesn’t rain. My whole family is sleeping out for three nights. On the final night, our friends are joining us for the Virtual Sleepout which will be fun. I’m glad they are getting involved as they can help raise awareness of homelessness and become more aware themselves.”
Amy Biçer, Isa’s mum, added: “Isa showed real empathy and compassion for those sleeping rough or without a place to call home and we have such respect for him taking actions to try and make a difference and to raise awareness.
“If anyone talks to him about Framework he talks with real passion and has inspired us and many other young people to get actively involved. In his role as Youth Patron he has taken on many challenges, some of which felt overwhelming, but his belief in what he is doing has driven him and fills us with admiration and pride.”
It is hoped local Scouts groups will be getting involved, with one group inviting Isa in to talk about the charity and the Virtual Sleepout. Isa will be giving a talk to the 2nd Chilwell Scout Group on 7 October, in his role as Youth Patron.
Loren Shore, Framework, said: “We’re so proud of Isa in his role as our first ever Youth Patron; he’s already inspiring other young people to support Framework and his virtual sleepout is already looking to be a massive success. Lewis has been an absolute legend with his fundraising efforts as well, and it’s incredible to see the positive impact they’re both making.”
On Friday, November 15, Scouts, Explorers and Adults from Central Notts Scouts will also be sleeping out with just their sleeping bags and cardboard for shelter to raise vital funds for Framework.
There’s still time to join the Virtual Sleepout and raise funds for Framework. Isa has increased the fundraising target with donations already having exceeded £600.
All the funds raised by Isa and family, his friend Lewis, the 2nd Chilwell Scout Group and Central Notts Scouts will support Framework’s Winter Appeal SOS Save our Street Outreach Teams.
Join the Virtual Sleepout here https://facebook.com/events/s/virtual-sleepout-2024-in-suppo/1227362441614100/
