Shelter bags for the homeless

 

PLEASE DONATE: This project relies on donations / financial support. You can make your tax-deductible contribution at: https://donations.rawcs.com.au/80-2022-23. 

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Why Shelterbags?

Increasing numbers of people are homeless and sleeping rough.

Winter is the worst time of the year - bedding becomes wet and unusable, which is a waste of donated resources - blankets, sleeping bags.

There is growing awareness in the community of the homeless and their needs - CEO sleepout / Sunday Mail Annual Blanket Appeal / Red Shield Appeal

There is a need for an immediate solution that offers shelter from the elements when sleeping rough.

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What are Shelterbags?

A lightweight, waterproof swag which includes a light mattress, padded hood and pocket.

Manufactured by Sheltersuit South Africa Foundation. 

Easy to carry when rolled up (backpack size, only weighs 2kg).

Add sleeping bag or other bedding to suit seasonal conditions.

Keeps bedding dry, provides warmth and some dignity.

Easy to clean and reuse.

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What is the cost?

Currently $100 per bag (as at August 2025, includes shipping)

Imported by the container load - 900 bags - through Rotary Club of Bowral-Mittagong NSW

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How are they distributed?

Memorandum of Understanding with Rotary Club of Bowral-Mittagong in place to supply bags to Rotary Club of Gawler Light for further distribution via our partner Rotary clubs and outreach organisations across South Australia.

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Each year the Rotary Club of Gawler Light and partner clubs expect to purchase around 200 to 300 bags for distribution in District 9510.

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For more information on the project please contact secretary@gawlerlightrotary.org

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PLEASE DONATE: This project relies on donations / financial support. You can make your tax deductible contribution at: https://donations.rawcs.com.au/80-2022-23. 

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Over 550 Shelterbags have been distributed throughout South Australia since April 2024 with the help of our partner clubs/groups:

Kidman Park, Campbelltown, Glenelg, McLarenVale, Mobilong, Modbury/Golden Grove, Murray Bridge, Northern Yorke Peninsula, Norwood, Playford, Playford Community Fund, Prospect, Pt Pirie, Pt Augusta, Salisbury, Seaford, Somerton Park, Strathalbyn, Unley, Tea Tree Gully, Waikerie  

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Update - July 2025

A further 220 bags have been received, labelled and distributed to our partner clubs, who will in turn distribute to their outreach organisations.

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Check out the videos below - Sheltersuit video on the manufacturing process and some wonderful publicity on Channel 7 News "Ray of Sunshine" segment on 28th July 2025. 

 

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