Anaconda and XTM teamup to Heat the Homeless

AUSTRALIA’S largest camping and outdoors retailer Anaconda are partnering with Torquay tied Australian snow and outdoor company XTM Performance for the seventh Heat the Homeless appeal.

While Australia’s east coast braces for a massive cold snap with La Nina seemingly setting in, plenty of members of the community are on the street with inadequate access to resources to keep them safe.

This winter, Geelong and the wider community are being encouraged to donate their quality and pre-loved snow jackets to help those in need.

“After a tough year, homelessness numbers are on the rise,” XTM Performance founder Pete Forras said.

“We are proud to be leading Heat the Homeless for our seventh appeal, to make the harsh winter a little more comfortable for thousands of rough sleepers across the country and help protect them from the cold.”

According to the 2016 ABS, an estimated 116,000 people across Australia are classified as homeless, and public housing is becoming increasing less accessible.

It’s with these figures in mind that Anaconda and XTM believe that it’s never been more important to support those who are desperate for comfort and warmth.

“As months get colder and the rates of homelessness rise, we want to do everything we can to help those in need, ” Anaconda chief executive officer Chris Lude said.

“If you are heading into an Anaconda store to upgrade your current jacket, it’s a great time to look through your cupboards and see how you can give back.”

Since the appeal’s inception in 2016, more than 20,000 snow jackets have been donated to keep the homeless warm all across Australia.

Anaconda stores across the nation including Geelong will act as the collection points for pre-loved jackets (preferably waterproof, clean and warm) with donations distributed to the homeless via a network of up to 2,000 charities.

To learn more about the XTM Performance Heat the Homeless appeal, or to donate a snow jacket, visit your closest Anaconda store or head to xtm.com.au/pages/heat-the-homeless