Coats for the Homeless are 'literally a life saver' – Messages of thanks
As Members around the country continue the Coats 2012 distribution effort, we share the stories and feedback from those who help distribute the coats to Australia’s homeless:
Homeless Tanya (wearing a Coat) camped out in a northern suburb of WA with her loyal dog Spot.
Picture by Dione Davidson The West Australian
“Firstly could you please pass on our sincere thanks to all the members of the Knights of Malta for providing the Homeless Jackets for our visitors who live on the streets. They are literally a life saver to protect them from the harsh elements.” Bryan, Director at Shopfront in Perth, WA
“The onset of winter is always a busy time when we see the increase in cold and flu cases. The Coats for the Homeless initiative is very valuable and most appreciated by the Health Care Sector that supports Hutt St.” Jan Ware, Clinical Nurse at the Hutt Street Centre in Adelaide, SA.
“St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace was once again delighted to support the Knights of Malta in their Coats for the Homeless project this year. Eddie’s Van is on the streets of Brisbane 5 mornings and one night a week for 52 weeks of the year and we get to know a lot of our guests well. The capacity to offer a quality coat to those in need is a privilege. As a school community we thank the Knights most sincerely for the opportunity to work in partnership with them in providing a simple gesture of friendship to our friends who share a humble meal with us each day.” Chris Ryan, Dean of Identity – St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace Brisbane Qld.
“They (the coats) are designed particularly for the guys on the street. They can sleep in them; they don’t have zippers or buttons or anything that would press into them. They love the coats. They’re a prize catch; the guys are very excited about them.” Marty Nezval, Volunteer and Pastoral Services Manager at Matt Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo, NSW.
“The program got started with its first distribution run in 2012 on Saturday 28th April. Each run was conducted in association with St Vincent de Paul or the Salvation Army but the Order members and volunteers are solely in charge of the distribution of coats. The program now has volunteers at Mannix College at Monash University, this being important as it is closer to the outer suburban areas such as Dandenong and Springvale where there is much poverty. Next year the program will expand to include A.C.U. in Melbourne.” Sir James Gobbo, Chairman of the Order of Malta VIC Branch
“The patrons of the Paddies Vans, in the Sandgate/Brighton areas of Brisbane, were honoured to assist in the distribution of the wonderful purpose-made coats donated by the Knights of Malta. During this past cold winter season, the coats provided warmth and at least some comfort for those whom often find that hard to come by.” Matt Hawkins, Paddies Van, St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe QLD.
Order Member from QLD , Michael Rackemann receiving certificate of thanks from Rosies for provision of coats for regions homeless.
“I feel the physical warmth that the coat provides is actually surmounted by the psychological warmth our residents receive. They receive knowledge that the community cares about them, that they are not alone.” Charlie Lay, Manager at Gorman House in Sydney, NSW
“The broad geographic distribution in NSW was achieved by the Working Group members, well assisted by other
members of the NSW Branch, personally attending to the delivery to cooperating agencies and the homeless. We are already working towards significantly expanding the number of homeless coats and their geographic distribution in 2013.” David Hall, Chairman of the Order of Malta NSW Branch
Picture from left to right: Order Members Ben Franklin and David Hall with Charlie Lay, Manager at Gorman House and Roger
“St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace was once again delighted to support the Knights of Malta in their Coats for the Homeless project this year. Eddie’s Van is on the streets of Brisbane 5 mornings and one night a week for 52 weeks of the year and we get to know a lot of our guests well. The capacity to offer a quality coat to those in need is a privilege. As a school community we thank the Knights most sincerely for the opportunity to work in partnership with them in providing a simple gesture of friendship to our friends who share a humble meal with us each day.” Chris Ryan, Dean of Identity – St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace Brisbane Qld.
Learn more about the Order’s Coats for the Homeless distribution network
Order Member Derek Pingel (right) with Kev Byrne, President St Vincent De Paul Toowoomba who is trying on one of the coats for size.
If you would like to support the Coats project, donate using our online secure gateway.
