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Order of Malta Australia

Charitable Works

Community Care Vans – Sydney, Melbourne and Parramatta

19/04/2018 


Poor health amongst the homeless is common and much of it is preventable. Our Community Care Vans provides much needed support and protection to some of the most vulnerable and marginalised members of the community.

Our Community Care vans operate in Sydney, Melbourne and Parramatta and are staffed by volunteer drivers who visit ‘hotspots’ around  to distribute seasonal items to help protect those sleeping on the streets.

Heatwaves cause more deaths in Australia each year than any other natural disaster and have a greater negative impact on population health than any other natural hazard. The homeless are particularly vulnerable. Consequently, in summer our volunteers distribute water, sun hats and sunscreen.

Winter presents other challenges to the homeless. Our volunteers distribute our Coats for the Homeless to those sleeping rough to provide some warmth, comfort and protection.

 $100 could purchase three specially designed Coats for the Homeless

Year round we also distribute simple hygiene packs containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and sanitary items for women. These packs make a big impact on not only their daily life but longer term physical health.

$50 could purchase five hygiene packs for women containing sanitary items or ten male packs

“For women on the street, who are usually in desperate and difficult circumstances, the provision of sanitary items not only promotes their health and wellbeing but self-worth and dignity,” comments Paula Hannan, Order of Malta Outreach Nurse, St Vincent’s Homeless Health Service. “It is something many of us take for granted and should not have to be a choice for anyone”.

The items we distribute and running costs of the vans are funded entirely by charitable donations.

Please support us by making a tax deductible donation.

Interested in Volunteering? We need drivers, doctors nurses and volunteers to pack hygiene packs!

Complete our Volunteer Information Form

The Australian Association

The Australian Association, formed in 1974, currently has in excess of 300 members and aspirant members across every State and Territory of Australia. We also have ongoing and strong links with the Order’s National Associations throughout the Asia Pacific Region including in Singapore and the Philippines and with members of the Order in New Zealand, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand and Korea. The Order of Malta is committed to serving Our Lords the Poor and Sick worldwide and has done so for over 900 years. This website shares with you the history, mission and current activities of the Order of Malta in Australia, and provides links to the work of the Order world-wide.