Help us provide 1200 Bags
ROTARY PROJECT
SHELTERBAGS FOR COMMUNITY ROUGH SLEEPERS
SHELTERBAGS – dignity and comfort for rough sleepers. Weather proof, warm, light and portable. A further step towards hope and support for vulnerable people in our communities.
Rotary Club of Waitara Bell Block and Districts imported 50 shelterbags via Rotary Club of Gawler Light (Australia)
Further distribution was via New Plymouth based outreach providers who register the bags with the person and then also have the opportunity to provide wrap around support services.
Cost per bag ~$150 incl GST.
Extent of Problem in Communities
• Precise statistics unknown. Local councils and NGOs often rely on outreach teams and anecdotal reports rather than formal counts. – A growing problem!
• Wellington – estimate 144, Auckland estimated 800, Christchurch estimate 100. Most towns/ cities will have some.
Ambition
• To secure underwritten support to enable a full container (1200 bags) to be imported directly into New Zealand from South Africa – this ensures lowest unit cost.
• Mid November 2025 to confirm and place order to ensure arrival and distribution winter 2026
ROTARY PROJECT
SHELTERBAGS FOR COMMUNITY ROUGH SLEEPERS
How
• Individual RC decide to support
o Members vote to include shelterbags as a club project in their community.
o Identify their local outreach providers (if not known, councils have Community Development Teams that can help identify)
o Meet with them to find out extent of need, and whether shelterbags would be welcomed.
o Advise numbers needed to Project Committee.
o Fundraise/ sponsorship for required numbers.
o Receive bags and distribute to outreach providers
• The ROZOP Board agreed to adopt the shelterbag project as a national project for clubs to decide on adopting. A project team is being set up to coordinate national activity
o Fundraising coordination – incl publicity
o Order and logistics for manufacture and shipment to NZ
o Organise distribution to sponsoring clubs
Background Information
https://rotaryclubofprospect.org/shelterbags-for-the-homeless-program/
https://www.facebook.com/BryanVickeryMedia/videos/the-rotary-club-of-waitara-bell-block-districts-are-importing-50-shelter-bags-fr/933763454877500/
https://www.shelterbags.org.au/ (example to adopt in NZ)
Contacts For Further Information
Dave McKissock M: 21 670 121 E: dave.rotary9999@gmail.com
Len Houwers M: 0274-445-861 E: len.houwers@aretelimited.com