Shelterbag Project - a Nationwide response by Rotary to rough sleeping homeless
Urgent Funding Needed!
We are still looking for more funds for The Shelterbag Project… it's a powerful Rotary initiative addressing the growing issue of rough sleeping and homelessness.
To date we’ve placed an order for 600 bags for manufacture, out of 1200 that would fill a 20’container – so still room to add. We’ll be making a call in late January what the final number will be, and we’ll ship what we can so that we can at least meet the target too have them in NZ before winter starts.
Whanganui are working with the City Mission to get their 40 ordered bags working. In New Plymouth where we have already provided 40 bags, the YMCA have requested another 50 (which we have currently funded) to expand their reach around the rest of the province. We’ve had nothing but positive feedback on how the program is being managed in Taranaki and the difference it is making for people using them.
We are currently about $6,000 away from being able to order a further 100 bags for manufacture. Be great if that could come from our District. Currently there are about 150 rough sleepers in Wellington alone, but at the moment there are no bags that can be assigned to them. Any money raised from your clubs will buy the shelterbags to go into your community (in case that was a question)
Charitable Donations should be made to: ROZOPS Ltd 06-0193-0905286-007 using “Shelterbag” in the particulars field and your club (or individual name) in the reference field.
Donation receipts are issued at the end of the month by Kirsten Hawke, Kirsten@astillhawke.co.nz , but she’ll need to be able to match the donation to the person, so best for people to email her to pass on donation detail, name, and email address for receipt.
This compassionate effort will help “Provide Comfort and Dignity for the Homeless Rough Sleepers in New Zealand.”
We need to order some minimum numbers ASAP…hit ‘Read more’ for details…
For further details or to confirm your club’s support, please contact:
Len Houwers – Rotary Club of Waitara
📧 len.houwers@aretelimited.com
📞 0274 445 861
Shelterbags are manufactured in South Africa by the Sheltersuit SA Foundation, a non-profit organisation that provides immediate shelter for the homeless while also creating local jobs and skills development opportunities.
An offshoot of the global Sheltersuit Foundation (founded in the Netherlands in 2014 by Bas Timmer after a friend’s father tragically died of hypothermia), Sheltersuit SA produces the Shelterbag — a lightweight, portable, waterproof, and windproof sleeping bag designed to hold an extra blanket for added warmth.
All Shelterbags are made from quality, locally sourced materials, with fair-price agreements reviewed every three months. The foundation’s skills development programme empowers previously unemployed seamstresses to earn while they learn, supporting up to six family members each through sustainable income.
Progress in New Zealand
Waitara Rotary (Watch the story on Facebook) connected with Australian Rotarians to import 50 Shelterbags.
Working alongside social agencies in Taranaki, these Shelterbags have already been distributed to rough sleepers in New Plymouth — and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Partnering with local service providers ensures each Shelterbag is registered and distributed responsibly, helping agencies begin the first steps toward getting people off the streets through wrap-around support.
There’s also a wider community benefit: as rough sleepers move away from CBD doorways, urban clutter and doorway bedding decrease — a visible improvement for both people and local retailers. Because Shelterbags are lightweight, weather-resistant, and portable, they also offer safer sheltering options outside CBD areas.
URGENT
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 (still need $30k as of 23/11)
- 3rd tranche of
- 4th tranche of $30,000 by end February 2026
- Balance to fund through to end March 2026
- Ship from Cape Town – Target 1st March
- Arrival NZ port – 1st
- Distribution complete – 31 May 2026
With the overall project cost estimated to hit ~ $180k, committed finance is needed early. Whanganui RC has already committed to finance 40 bags that 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.
Looking Ahead
A 20ft container holding 1,200 Shelterbags can be in Auckland by May 2026, ready for the winter season.
Estimated rough sleeper numbers across New Zealand are:
Auckland: ~800
Wellington: ~140
Christchurch: ~270
Other centres: bringing the total to approximately 1,200 people.
Production of 1,200 bags will take approximately 3–4 months, according to the South African team.
Based on the Waitara pilot and current manufacturing and exchange rates, the all-inclusive cost per bag is estimated at NZD $150–$160.
Rotary aims to deliver Shelterbags to clubs at $150 each, for free distribution through local social agencies supporting the homeless in their communities.
How You Can Support the Shelterbag Project
We invite Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians to support this important nationwide initiative. Your contribution will help meet key milestones and ensure Shelterbags are ready for distribution to those who need them most before winter.
Charitable donations can be made to:
ROZOPS Ltd – Special Projects
Account: 06-0193-0905286-007
Please include “Shelterbag” in the Particulars field and your club or individual name in the Reference field.
➡️ Donations from individuals are tax-deductible, and a donation receipt will be issued to enable a 33% IRD rebate.
For further details or to confirm your club’s support, please contact:
Len Houwers – Rotary Club of Waitara
📧 len.houwers@aretelimited.com
📞 0274 445 861