The Perth community has once again shown incredible generosity, with Sonshine’s 2026 Heart For The Homeless appeal officially wrapping up, and the final tally revealed! The appeal saw an extraordinary 13,548 essential items donated to support Western Australians experiencing homelessness this winter – 1,500 more items than last year.
Now in its eighth year, the annual appeal saw thousands of donated items gathered from collection points across Perth before being counted, sorted and prepared for distribution through Sonshine’s partner organisations: St Bart’s, St Pat’s and Uniting WA.
As winter approaches and the demand for support continues to grow, the appeal once again rallied schools, churches, businesses, community groups and listeners across Perth to help people doing it tough.
Thousands of Essential Items Collected Across Perth
Among the thousands of donated items received were:
- 1,414 pairs of socks
- 1,282 toothbrushes
- 839 hotel mini toiletries
- 839 beanies and hats
- 820 razors
- 758 soap bars
- 715 pairs of underwear
- 684 tubes of toothpaste
- 580 sanitary products
- 354 sleeping bags
Community and Corporate Support Makes a Difference
The appeal also received an incredible boost from Bunnings stores across Perth, who contributed:
- 40 beanies
- 100 pairs of socks
- 9 sleeping bags
Sonshine CEO Thanks Perth Community for Its Generosity
Sonshine CEO Michael Pailthorpe said the result was a powerful reflection of the compassion of the Perth community. “Every year we are blown away by the generosity of people across Perth, but to exceed last year’s tally by 1,500 items is truly incredible,” he said.
“Behind every sleeping bag, blanket, toothbrush and pair of socks is a person who chose to care for someone they may never meet. These donations will make a real difference to people facing winter without the comfort and security many of us take for granted.”
“We’re so grateful to every individual, school, church, business, volunteer and collection point who got behind Heart For The Homeless this year. This appeal is a reminder that even small acts of kindness, when combined across a community, can have a huge impact.”
Partner Organisations Highlight Growing Need
Samantha Drury, CEO at St Bart’s, said:
“We are deeply grateful to Sonshine, and everyone who supports Heart for the Homeless. Your generosity goes far beyond donations, it gives hope and connection to those experiencing homelessness during winter, the toughest time of the year.”
“Every contribution to Heart for the Homeless represents a belief that everyone deserves compassion, connection, and the opportunity to rebuild. St Bart’s is deeply grateful for your support this winter.”
St Pat’s CEO Michael Piu said the appeal delivers critical support during the coldest months:
“Heart for the Homeless is vital in helping us get essential items to people in need during the coldest months of the year. St Pat’s supported more than 2,000 people experiencing homelessness last year, including an increasing number of families with children who’ve never faced the fear and uncertainty of homelessness before.”
“While we know that warm clothing, toiletries and a sleeping bag won’t end homelessness, they do provide some respite and dignity to the many families who will be doing it tough this winter.”
Uniting WA Co-CEO Jen Park highlighted the growing need being seen across the sector:
“In 2025, our Engagement Hub supported over 94,000 requests for help, served more than 130,000 meals and made almost 3,000 referrals for accommodation support. We are seeing more women and more young people seeking help, with older women one of the fastest growing cohorts experiencing homelessness.”
Thank You Perth
Sonshine would also like to sincerely thank the many collection points across Perth who opened their doors to support the appeal, helping make it easy for the community to donate and get involved.
To everyone who donated, volunteered, shared the message or supported the appeal in any way – thank you for helping bring warmth, dignity and hope to vulnerable West Australians this winter.