Dunnville, Ont. - This Friday, September 29, The Salvation Army is hosting 'Sleep in the Park' at Central Park, a blast to draw attention to the local homeless.

Tracy Gibbs, manager of homeless initiatives for the Dunnville Salvation Army and her employees decided that the fortunate need to know about others in dire circumstances. Over coffee, they dreamt up 'Sleeping in the Park' to raise awareness and, by experience, to demonstrate the reality those without a permanent roof over their head face each day.

"This is a public event," says Gibb."High calibre entertainment is lined up to bring a crowd to the park. People are prepared to spend an hour or a dozen hours in the park."

Individuals and church youth groups are fundraising. As of Monday, $3,850 has been raised in pledges from individuals and corporations.

The Salvation Army is committed to reducing homelessness in the area by providing resources, support and advocacy in the form of temporary housing, rent lease negotiations, moving programs, food bank and loans for utilities.