Temperatures are dropping, which is good for skiers and boarders, not so great for the 122,000 people experiencing homelessness in Australia on any given with.
Australian owned snow and outdoor brand, XTM Performance, are calling on the community to help ‘Heat the Homeless’ and donate their quality, pre-loved snow jackets to help warm those in need.
Since the appeal was founded in 2016, over 32,000 snow jackets have been donated to people experiencing hardship across Australia. XTM Performance works with participating retailers and businesses to act as donation collection points for pre-loved clean and warm jackets (preferably waterproof) which are offered into not-for-profit donation platform GIVIT’s online warehouse, accessed by their 4,500 charity partners and Vinnies Society.
Donations should be clean and in good condition; as a general rule, if you wouldn’t wear it, please don’t give it.
In 2024 XTM is working with the Vinnies society supporting individuals and families either homeless, or disadvantaged. Vinnies provide frontline services such as soup vans as a primary goal, supplying toiletries, sleeping bags (when available) blankets and clothing.
The challenge with handing out clothing on the street is style and sizing, (although a small range is carried in the vans) so Vinnies provide vouchers which allows the holder to visit a Vinnies shop and choose what they need. This method ensures the individuals requirements are met with the dignity of choice reflecting their circumstance.
XTM Performance founder Pete Forras says: “With ever increasing rents created by the housing shortage crisis, homelessness is on the rise. We are humbled to be leading Heat the Homeless for our eighth appeal, to make the harsh winter a little more comfortable for thousands of rough sleepers across the country and help shield them from the cold.”
To learn more about the XTM Performance visit the Heat the Homeless appeal.
