Dear Members and Friends

I wanted to extend my heartfelt hope that you and your loved ones are safe during these challenging times. All of us have been impacted in some way, some more so than others, during this pandemic and I wanted to express my concern and solidarity with you all.

The Order of Malta has been committed to serving the sick and poor for over 900 years. In this time we have confronted diseases, natural disasters and wars. Today in all 120 countries we operate in, we fight Coronavirus

Here in Australia we are determined to provide assistance to some of the most marginalised in our communities – the homeless. With many homeless shelters and services closed due to Covid-19, the homeless need our assistance more than ever.

This winter, in addition to distributing 6,000 Coats for the Homeless across every State and territory in Australia we will also be providing hygiene items to homeless to help protect them from the Coronavirus.

Consequently, more so than ever, we need the generosity of our supporters to assist the homeless.

We are aware that due to the current environment, many supporters may not be in a position to help us this year. For those that are able to make a donation to support our initiatives to assist the homeless during this pandemic, we ask for your support.

Our unique hooded coat provides some comfort for those without a bed or a home. It has been designed by the homeless, for the homeless, and is shower-proof, quilted and warm. It also protects the wearer against health problems that can occur from exposure to the elements, to which the homeless are extremely vulnerable.

We have also been able to source facemasks, anti-bacterial wipes and personal items for distribution with the Coats to help protect and limit the transmission of Coronavirus. The homeless often rely of public amenities and are therefore exposed to a lot more contaminants in our community. They also tend to have more existing health issues than the general population and if they contract the virus there’s a high probability it will impact them more severely.

Our Coats for the Homeless and Covid-19 Hygiene packs could be live-saving.

A gift of $100 could buy three of our specially designed, warm, shower-proof coats.

A gift of $200 could buy three Coats for the Homeless and ten Covid-19 Hygiene packs.

Together, this winter we can not only protect the homeless against the cold but the pandemic. If you are in a position to do so, please support us and give what you can.

If you would like to make a donation to this project please visit www.coatsforthehomeless.org 

Thank you for your support. Most importantly, stay safe.

Yours sincerely,

John Murphy
National Hospitaller