Warmer nights ahead – article in the Tenterfield Star
Member of the Order Dr Ian Unsworth with Yvonne O’Sullivan from St Vincent de Paul. Picture courtesy of The Tenterfield Star.
FOR the homeless in Tenterfield, winter without warm clothing is often a reality.
With the help of the Order of Malta and Tenterfield St. Vincent de Paul Society, the “Coats for the Homeless” initiative is hoping to help.
Tenterfield member for the Order of Malta Dr Ian Unsworth has brought the program to Tenterfield.
“I’ve supplied the coats to St Vincent de Paul on behalf of the Order,” Dr Unsworth said. “We’re hoping to continue supplying them from now on.”
“If we find someone on a park bench at 11 at night then we will supply one,” Yvonne O’Sullivan, Tenterfield conference president for St Vincent de Paul said.
While at this stage they only have 10, both are hoping to get their hands on more coats.
Another batch will be sent down to Armidale and distributed around surrounding towns.
“In the country towns, we are often inconvenienced – we are seen as a lower priority,” Dr Unsworth said.
“I know the number of homeless in the cities is infinitely higher but country towns have them too.”
Ms O’Sullivan said to have the coats at their disposal now was a terrific step in helping those faced with homelessness.
“We’re excited to be involved, it’s wonderful to have these coats,” she said.
Every year the Order of Malta, the fourth oldest religious order in the Catholic Church, distribute the specially designed coats nationwide.
Related articles:
Warm Winter Comfort for the Homeless – article in the Armidale Express
Canterbury supports Coats for the Homeless
Coats for the Homeless – a Nationwide project
Article on Coats for the Homeless in the Daily Liberal
Coats for the Homeless in the TVSN Charity of Choice Partner for July
Project update – Coats for the homeless distribution network
