Provide warmth and comfort this winter. Buy them a Coat.
You’ve probably heard on the news about the record-breaking cooler temperatures and rainfall experienced this year in a number of states, and how this winter is expected to be particularly harsh. Imagine spending even one night outside in this cold, wet and windy weather, without so much as a coat to keep you warm.
Sadly, homeless figures continue to rise each year. Shockingly, as many as 1 in 200 Australians find themselves without a safe place to sleep at night. Half of all people who request accommodation from the homeless service system are turned away each day, due to a lack of beds. This leaves them extremely vulnerable.
For those sleeping rough out in the cold every night, their bodies are working harder to regulate their temperature and maintain heat. Being on the street can cause a lot of serious health issues.
The ‘Coats for the Homeless’ program was an initiative started by one of our members who personally funded the design and production of 400 Coats to help these individuals. Twenty years later, the Australian Association of the Order of Malta manufactures and distributes 5,000 Coats each year across every state and territory to protect the homeless from the winter weather. The ongoing overwhelming demand for this program clearly illustrates the urgent need for this item of clothing. The only issue currently limiting the number of Coats we are able to distribute is a lack of funds.
We have even expanded the program to include ‘hygiene’ packs, that provide basic toiletries and socks, to protect this vulnerable segment of our community from illnesses like COVID-19, flu, oral decay and trench foot.
A gift of as little as $100 will buy three specially designed, warm, shower-proof coats for people who finds themselves without a home this winter, keeping them warm and dry.
Our unique hooded coat has been designed in close consultation with the homeless, to ensure it meets their specific needs. It is three-quarter length, shower-proof, quilted and warm with comfortable Velcro fastenings that don’t dig in when the wearer sleeps. It is also easy to walk in or carry during the day and has secret pockets inside to hold a few valuables.
We are asking for your support today so we can provide more warm coats to people who are homeless, giving them some respite and protection from the cold weather this winter.
We know you have probably received many letters recently from charities asking you for donations, but please give generously today so we can urgently provide warm coats to more people who find themselves without a home this winter.
Remember, gifts $2 and over are tax-deductible. If you make your donation before 30 June 2023, you can claim it as a tax deduction in this year’s tax return.
Remember, gifts $2 and over are tax-deductible. If you make your donation before 30 June 2023, you can claim it as a tax deduction in this year’s tax return.
