At Sonshine’s heart, we believe in extending warmth and compassion to those who need it most. This May together with St Bart’s, Saint Pat’s, Uniting WA, we are collecting items to show our Heart for the Homeless. For the fifth year in a row, we are launching our Heart for the Homeless Collection Appeal and asking our generous Family to support this vulnerable community by providing essential items to keep them safe, comfortable, and dignified.

Did you know WA has the unenviable title as the state with the highest proportion of rough sleepers in the country! But, together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those sleeping rough in Perth. Here are the essential donation items we need and some suggested donation packs to consider.

Essential Donation Items:

  • New Sleeping Bags: A warm and cozy sleeping bag can provide much-needed comfort during cold nights.
  • New Fleece Blankets: Soft fleece blankets offer warmth and a sense of security to individuals facing homelessness – small, packable ones are best as they’re easy to carry.
  • New Winter Jumpers:
    • Men’s Sizes M – XXL
    • Women’s Sizes 10-18
  • New Winter Bottoms:
    • Men’s Sizes 32-42
    • Women’s Sizes 8-18
  • New Underwear:
    • Women’s Sizes 8-18
    • Men’s Sizes M-XL
  • New Socks: Keeping feet warm and dry is essential, so new pairs of socks are greatly appreciated.
  • Backpacks: these enable those sleeping rough to have something to safely carry their belongings around in.

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

St Bart’s Winter Care Pack – Under $60

  • 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 $30:

  • 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 $20:

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

Men’s Sanitary Pack – Under $15:

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

These sanitary packs include essential hygiene products, allowing individuals to maintain their personal care even during challenging times.

Your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of homeless individuals. By donating new sleeping bags, blankets, winter wear, underwear, socks, and sanitary items, you are providing essential comfort, dignity, and hope to those who need it most. Please consider putting together one of the suggested packs or donating any of the listed items.

Together, we can bring warmth and compassion to those experiencing homelessness. Join us in the Sonshine’s Heart for the Homeless Collection Appeal and make a lasting impact today.

Note: Price guide referenced from major supermarkets and department stores, ensuring cost-effective donations while maintaining the quality of the items.