Despite the great success of the annual AMCN Australia-wide Jacket Drive – which started as a Sydney-based initiative in 2012 Mission Australia’s Dan Strickland revealed Australia’s homeless population had recently increased, surpassing the somewhat shocking 116,000 mark.
Sleeping rough isn’t just about being cold when the sun goes down, many of Australia’s homeless feel isolated and detached from society – Strickland calls them Australia’s invisible community, we know they’re there, but we choose not to see them.
During the past six years, AMCN’s annual call to action has seen truckloads of warm, life-saving jackets donated to warm the homeless. But just as importantly, it has shown those less fortunate that we do see them, and we want to help
Making a fashion statement is not the primary design brief of a motorcycle jacket. Sitting atop the list of requirements is protection against the elements, an ability to retain precious body heat, padding for comfort and protection, and durability – all things that make sleeping rough a little more bearable.
Most motorcycle jackets also have removable thermal liners which increases versatility and the multiple zip-up pockets provide storage and security.
Right now! We will be collecting jackets until September 7, when the drive will wrap up and the donations in other states will be distributed.
