With the support of a District 9800 Foundation Grant The Rotary Club of Essendon was able to work with the organisation Youth Projects, Hosier Lane, to provide warm clothing and jackets for people experiencing homelessness on Melbourne's streets.
After hearing from staff of Youth Projects that there was a dire shortage of material goods (and particularly warm clothing) to help people survive the cold winter days and nights, members of the Rotary Club of Essendon sprang into action. Working with the Youth Projects teams who come face to face with those who live on Melbourne's streets, Essendon Rotarians sourced 60 thermal tops and 60 jackets to distribute to those in need in and around Melbourne's Central Business District. They partnered with the dedicated staff on the ground, to determine what best suited the conditions the items would be used in. Thanks to a District 9800 Foundation Grant, the requested items were purchased by Rotarians and delivered by Youth Projects staff who then provided the clothing to people who accessed their services
Through Rotary and the generosity of Rotarians, sixty people on the street are now just that little bit warmer with some protection from the bitter cold that Melbourne is experiencing.