At Sonshine, we believe in extending warmth, care, and compassion to those who need it most. This May, together with St Bart’s, St Pat’s, and Uniting WA, we’re once again inviting our generous Sonshine Family to support people doing it tough through our Heart for the Homeless Collection Appeal.

Now in its eighth year, this appeal helps provide essential items for people sleeping rough across Perth. By donating practical winter necessities, you can help ensure vulnerable members of our community stay safe, warm, and treated with dignity.

Did you know that Western Australia has the highest proportion of rough sleepers in the country? It’s a sobering statistic, but together we can make a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Perth.

Below are the most-needed donation items, along with some suggested care packs if you’d like to put together a bundle.

Essential Donation Items

Please ensure all clothing and personal items are new.

Sleeping Essentials

  • New sleeping bags – providing warmth during cold nights

  • New fleece blankets – small, packable blankets are ideal

Winter Clothing

  • Men’s winter jumpers: Sizes M–XXL

  • Women’s winter jumpers: Sizes 10–18

  • Men’s winter bottoms: Sizes 32–42

  • Women’s winter bottoms: Sizes 8–18

Everyday Essentials

  • New underwear

    • Women’s sizes 8–18

    • Men’s sizes M–XL

  • New socks – warm, dry feet are essential

  • Backpacks – allowing people sleeping rough to safely carry their belongings

If you’re considering donating multiple items, here are some suggested pack ideas:

St Bart’s Winter Care Pack – Under $75

  • Backpack
  • Blanket
  • Beanie, Gloves & Scarf
  • Socks & Underwear
  • Deodorant, Wipes, Shower Gel / Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste

Men’s Winter Wear Pack – Under $60:

  • Jumper, track pants, socks, and briefs pack.
  • Jumper and track pants pack, briefs and socks pack.

Women’s Winter Wear Pack – Under $50:

  • Jumper, track pants, socks, and briefs pack.
  • Jumper and track pants pack, socks and briefs pack.

These clothing packs provide a comprehensive set of winter wear items, ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness have the necessary clothing to stay warm and comfortable.

Sanitary Packs Ideas:

Full Sanitary Pack – Under $35:

  • Small Shampoo
  • Small Conditioner
  • Body Wash
  • Disposable shavers
  • Individually wrapped toothbrushes
  • Smaller size tubes of toothpaste
  • Hair Brushes
  • Wide Teeth Combs / Afro Combs
  • Tampons/Pads
  • Deodorant

Women’s Sanitary Pack – Under $25:

  • Tampons/Pads
  • Deodorant
  • Disposable shavers
  • Hair Brushes
  • Individually wrapped toothbrushes
  • Smaller size tubes of toothpaste

Men’s Sanitary Pack – Under $20:

  • Deodorant
  • Wide Teeth Combs / Afro Combs
  • Disposable shavers
  • Individually wrapped toothbrushes
  • Smaller size tubes of toothpaste

Make a Difference

Your support can make a meaningful difference for people experiencing homelessness. By donating essential winter items, you are helping provide warmth, comfort, dignity, and hope.

Please consider assembling one of the suggested care packs or donating any of the listed items.

Together, we can bring warmth and compassion to those sleeping rough in Perth.

Join us in supporting Sonshine’s Heart for the Homeless Collection Appeal and help make a lasting impact today.

Note: Price guides are based on estimates from major supermarkets and department stores to help keep donations affordable while maintaining quality.