Perth’s homeless recieve sleeping bags from Rotary clubs

SOME of Perth’s homeless will sleep warmer this winter after a sleeping bag donation from Rotary.

On July 5, Swan Districts and Perth Rotary Clubs distributed 60 out of 500 sleeping bags made at the Stitches of Hope sewing centre in Cambodia and delivered to Perth.

The sleeping bags were handed out alongside free meals provided by Street Friends of WA at the corner of Pier and Wellington streets in the CBD.

Desiree, who sleeps near the Swan River, was one of the people to receive a sleeping bag and could not contain her excitement and gratitude.

Shane (60) has been sleeping rough for 20 years and said the last few weeks were tough.

“This winter has been the worst in years; bloody cold and wet,” he said.

Stitches of Hope founder Kay Eva said the project was launched early last year and it was rewarding to see people in desperate need for help in two separate countries benefit.

The former Swan Districts Rotary Club president said more sleeping bags would be handed out in the following weeks.

Perth Rotary President Wesley Sim said each bag was worth $50, with funds raised by Rotary member donations.

For information about the project, email stitches@rotaryperth.org.au or stichesofhopecambodia@gmail.com.