The story behind this Nationwide Rotary Project to assist the homeless started with the identification of shelterbags by an Adelaide Rotary Club as a possible means of support for rough sleepers there and have now been picked up by other clubs across Australia. The story spotted by Waitara Rotary is in the June 2024 RDU was: https://rotarydownunder.org/shelterbags-for-the-homeless-in-south-australia/ . Through the work by the Adelaide Rotarians the project has gone nationwide through Australian clubs :https://www.shelterbags.org.au/
So far 2,900 Shetlerbags have been distributed in Australia. The aim is to replicate the project in New Zealand, and deliver shelterbags free of charge to people living on the streets through existing Social Agencies who already work with the homeless in New Zealand. This project will;
“Provide Comfort and Dignity for the Homeless in New Zealand”
Shelterbags are manufactured in South Africa by Sheltersuit SA Foundation. Sheltersuit SA Foundation is a South African non-profit organization that provides immediate shelter to people experiencing homelessness while also creating jobs and skills development opportunities. It is an offshoot of the global Sheltersuit Foundation, which was founded in the Netherlands in 2014 by Bas Timmer after a friend's father died of hypothermia while sleeping on the street.
Sheltersuit SA Foundation manufactures a product called the "Shelterbag," which is a lightweight, portable, waterproof, and windproof sleeping bag. Unlike the original Sheltersuit, which is a jacket with a zip-on sleeping bag for colder climates (but 4 times the price), the Shelterbag is a more ventilated and adaptable option. It is manufactured to accommodate an additional blanket for extra warmth. The shelterbags are produced from quality, locally sourced materials which ensures that local businesses are supported in South Africa. These partnerships have been nurtured to ensure Sheltersuit SA Foundation are able to negotiate fair prices every three months.
Through a skills development and training programme Sheltersuit SA Foundation has enabled previously unemployed and talented seamstresses to earn while they learn. All the team members are breadwinners for their families and support up to 6 family members with their income stability.
Waitara Rotary (https://www.facebook.com/BryanVickeryMedia/videos/the-rotary-club-of-waitara-bell-block-districts-are-importing-50-shelter-bags-fr/933763454877500/ ) contacted Australian Rotarians and arranged for the importation of 50 shelterbags. Teaming up with social agencies in Taranaki these have been distributed to and greatly appreciated by rough sleepers in New Plymouth. While this is a bit of an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff it is practical assistance that meets a pressing need. Solving the homelessness situation itself will take years. A 20ft container will hold1,200 shelterbags that can be in Auckland by next May for the Winter of 2026.
Estimated number of rough sleepers; 800 Auckland, 141 Wellington, 270 Christchurch – approx. 1200 without other cities.
The SA team have advised 1,200 bags will take 3 months to make. Costing based on the Waitara exercise and confirmed manufacturing costs and current exchange rates indicates landed costs per bag in the order of $150 - $160. We are aiming to deliver bags to clubs at $NZ150 ea for distribution free of charge to local social agencies. In Auckland there is already support from Auckland Council and other agencies including :
LinkPeople - https://linkpeople.co.nz/
Visionwest - https://visionwest.org.nz/
Auckland City Mission - https://www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz/
Kahui Tu Kaha - https://kahuitukaha.co.nz/
Salvation Army - https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/
Lifewise - https://www.lifewise.org.nz/
In other centres we anticipate links with local agencies such as The People’s Project https://www.thepeoplesproject.org.nz/ and Project Orange https://orangesky.org.nz/ and others that clubs elect to work with may well become avenues for delivery.
Detailed planning is underway to confirm delivery and devanning in Auckland and the subsequent distribution but there is keen interest from Auckland Council and Social Service providers who have regular contact with homeless and rough sleepers in Auckland as well as in Wellington and Christchurch.
The bags provide warm dry durable shelter that could be a desirable Rotary branded item that will meet an immediate need.
Rotarians will need to fund, fundraise, organise storage and distribution between clubs and link with existing social providers. This could be a high-profile nationwide project that puts clubs in touch with other organisations and attracts the attention of potential new members with a great project on home turf – Kiwis helping Kiwis doing it tough. To make this happen a commitment to funding is required with $45,000 committed and delivered by 30th October and a further $45,000 by 20th November.
Milestone Dates
· $45,000 raised and available by 30th October 2025
· A second tranche of $45,000 by 20th November 2025
· 3rd tranche of $30,000 by 15th January 2026
· Final tranche of $30,000 by end February 2026
· Ship from Cape Town – Target 1st March
· Arrival NZ port – 1st May 2026 latest
· Distribution complete – 31 May 2026
To fund the 800 bags estimated to be needed in Auckland, Rotary Clubs based in Auckland need to raise a total of $120,000.
With the overall cost estimated to hit ~ $175k committed finance is needed early. Wanganui RC has already committed to finance 40 bags they see are needed in Wanganui! Get in quick with your pledge.
We seek your consideration and support for this project with a commitment that enables the milestones to be met.
Charitable Donations should be made to : ROZOPS Ltd – Special Projects 06-0193-0905286-007
Contact for further details and confirmation of support.
Len Houwers – Waitara Bell Block & Districts Rotary len.houwers@aretelimited.com – 0274-445-861
Malcolm Stapleton Pres Parnell RC and RCL for RCG6 - mjds@babbage.co.nz – 0274-393-144