Brora fundraiser Alistair Risk (79) to camp out next to village church for five nights in aid of Ukraine
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A 79-year-old Sutherland resident is giving up the warmth and comfort of his own bed to sleep outdoors in a bid to raise money for Ukrainian refugees.
Brora resident Alistair Risk, a leading light in the Rotary Club of East Sutherland, was so moved at the desperate plight of Ukranians following the Russian invasion that he felt he had to help.
No stranger to fundraising, he has drummed up thousands of pounds over the years for good causes and local charities.
Most recently he spearheaded the club’s February Walk for Polio.
Mr Risk now plans to take up residence in a tent in the grounds of the roadside Episcopal Church in Brora, known as the "Tin Temple", for five nights from Sunday, March 27.
He hopes to raise at least £1200 from passers-by for Shelterbox, an international disaster relief charity with a historic link to the Rotary organisation.
Shelterbox provides emergency shelter and other aid items to families around the world who have lost their homes to disaster or conflict.
Each shelterbox costs around £600.
Mr Risk said: “It has been some time since I slept out, but I still have my Scout sleeping bag and blanket from when I spent a month in the Arctic in Finland in 1961, so I think I can cope.
“I am very grateful to the Church for its support and the use of such a prominent site on the A9, and I hope that lots of people will come to see me and give generously.
“The plight of the refugees fleeing from Ukraine is heartbreaking.”
Mr Risk is also running a fundraising quiz night and raffle in Brora Golf club on Friday, March 25. The event is open to all and will run from 8-10pm.
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Are you organising a fundraiser in aid of Ukraine? Email: editor@northern-times.co.uk
