Wave FM Partners with Vinnies NSW for Hoodies for the Homeless

Wollongong locals are being urged to support those doing it tough this winter by donating to Wave FM’s Hoodies for the Homeless campaign.

With many individuals and families set to brave the cold in the coming months, Wave FM is calling for people to donate hoodies which will be distributed by St Vincent de Paul Society members to those experiencing hardship throughout Wollongong and surrounding regions.

People can donate to Hoodies for the Homeless up until 5pm on Thursday 17 June at Wave FM’s studios at Top Floor, 73 King Street, Warrawong. The Wave FM breakfast team will be broadcasting live from the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Friday 18 June where they will deliver the Hoodies for the Homeless to Vinnies.

“Many people in our community do it tough during this time of year, so if we are able to come together and help those in need in a small way it can make a big difference,” said Dean Kesby, Wave FM Director of Content.

“Vinnies does great work in our community providing food, shelter and support for people who fall on hard times; we’re really pleased to be joining with them for Hoodies for the Homeless.”

Jack de Groot, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, said the Hoodies for the Homeless initiative would allow Vinnies members to offer additional support during a period where calls for assistance traditionally increased.

“Every winter we see people seeking assistance with electricity bills, warm clothing and other items that most of us take for granted in order to combat the cold,” said Mr de Groot.

“Australia is such a generous country, but sadly there are many who struggle to get by which is why the work we do is so important to ensure people can live with dignity.

“Wave FM is strongly embedded in the Wollongong community and we look forward to working with them on this initiative.”

In addition to the launch of Hoodies for the Homeless, Vinnies is calling for community and business leaders across Wollongong and the Illawarra to sign up for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout taking place at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus on Thursday 17 June.

After taking place virtually last year due to COVID-19, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will return as an in-person event for its 16th year with all funds raised supporting Vinnies’ homelessness services which offer crisis accommodation, food, healthcare, educational program, support to secure permanent housing and other assistance to people experiencing homelessness.

“With the funds raised from last year’s event, we were able to continue funding the Vinnies Van in Wollongong and support men experiencing or at risk of homelessness with crisis accommodation at John Purcell House in neighbouring Nowra,” said Mr de Groot.

“I would love to see as many CEOs and business leaders as possible brave the cold for a night and raise funds and awareness for homelessness.”

In the past year, the St Vincent de Paul Society provided $1.3 million in financial assistance to more than 6,600 people throughout Wollongong and the Illawarra.

Business and community leaders can register to fundraise as individuals or teams at www.ceosleepout.org.au.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones | 0417 446 430