Shelterbag Project - a Nationwide response by Rotary to rough sleeping homeless
Urgent Funding Needed!
The Shelterbag Project is a powerful Rotary initiative addressing the growing issue of rough sleeping and homelessness.
The story began in Adelaide, where a local Rotary club identified Shelterbags as a practical way to provide warmth, comfort, and dignity to those sleeping rough. Their success quickly inspired other clubs across Australia, turning a local effort into a nationwide movement.
You can read the original story in the June 2024 edition of Rotary Down Under: Shelterbags for the Homeless in South Australia.
To date, more than 2,900 Shelterbags have been distributed across Australia.
Now, Rotary aims to replicate this successful project in New Zealand, working with existing social agencies to deliver Shelterbags free of charge to people living on the streets.
This compassionate effort will help “Provide Comfort and Dignity for the Homeless Rough Sleepers in New Zealand.”
We need to order some minimum numbers now and then again later in November…hit ‘Read more’ for details…
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
- 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