District 9940 – Joining a New Zealand Rotary effort to

“Provide Comfort and Dignity for homeless rough sleepers in New Zealand”

BACKGROUND & NEED

The estimated number of rough sleepers around New Zealand is daunting and heart breaking.  To give you an indication, here are some of the estimated numbers we are aware of; 800 Auckland, 141 Wellington, 270 Christchurch – approx. 1200, without other cities.

The bags provide warm dry durable shelter that could be a desirable Rotary branded item that will meet an immediate need.

Shelterbags are manufactured in South Africa by the Sheltersuit SA Foundation, and are an ethical endeavour.

PROJECT SHELTERBAG AIM – NEW ZEALAND ROTARY DISTRICTS & CLUBS COLLECTIVELEY

To take delivery of a 20ft container in Auckland, with 1200 Shelterbags, for distribution throughout New Zealand in time to protect our most vulnerable for the Winter of 2026.

Deliver Shelterbags to clubs at $NZ150 ea. for distribution to local social agencies, which still need to be confirmed.

WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO – NEW ZEALAND ROTARY DISTRICTS & CLUBS COLLECTIVELEY

To make this happen a collective commitment across New Zealand Rotary Districts & Clubs of $45,000 by 30^th October will be required; $45,000 by 20^th November 2025; $30,000 by 15^th January 2026; $30,000 by the end of February 2026. This comes to $150,000, and it is estimated that overall, project costs will reach $180,000, committed funding is needed! 

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.  

WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO BE INVOLVED – DISTRICT 9940

The Rotary Club of Whanganui is leading the way, financing 40 Shelterbags to meet their local need!

Is your club / region in a position to contribute to this great humanitarian cause, helping our own vulnerable, with shelter and dignity before we head into another Winter?  At $150 per Shelterbag, you can make a difference!

Can you help us with a contribution by 30^th October, and for a 2^nd tranche by 20^th November 2025?

Contact for further details and confirmation of support:

Len Houwers – Waitara Rotary,  len.houwers@aretelimited.com – 0274-445-861

Charitable Donations should be made to: ROZOPS Ltd – Special Projects 06-0193-0905286-007 using “Shelterbag” in the particulars field and your club (or individual name) in the reference field. 

Donations can also be made in $10 blocks on the Rotary Oceania website Shelterbag page:  https://rotaryoceania.zone/shop/shelterbags-239#attr=

Donations by individuals will receive a donations receipt to allow for a 33% IRD rebate.

Help Rotary make New Zealand a better place and Build Better Communities