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<\/p>\nANACONDA Geelong is participating in the sixth annual Heat the Homeless appeal in a bid to help vulnerable communities stay warm this winter.<\/p>\n
With an anticipated 116,000 people across Australia identifying as homeless, the appeal urges community members to donate their pre-loved snow jackets to keep those in need warm.<\/p>\n
The appeal was formed through the partnership of Australia’s largest camping and outdoor retailer Anaconda and the nation’s leading snow and outdoor gear brand XTM Performance.<\/p>\n
Since the appeal first began in 2016, more than 20,000 snow jackets have been donated across the country.<\/p>\n
Anaconda’s Belmont-based store will serve as the region’s local collection point for the pre-loved jackets preferably waterproof, clean and warm.<\/p>\n
Donations collected from around the country will be distributed to the homeless via a network of up to 2,000 charities.<\/p>\n
Brand new jackets can also be purchased from any Anaconda store and donated to the appeal.<\/p>\n
Anaconda chief executive officer Chris Lude said the camping and outdoor franchise was dedicated to helping millions of Australians make lasting winter memories each year.<\/p>\n
“We’re very humbled to partner with XTM Performance to bring a little bit of warmth to those that need it most,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We look forward to welcoming Aussies to our stores across the country as they update their winter wardrobes and leave their pre-loved jackets for those who’ll get much-needed use from them.”<\/p>\n
XTM Performance founder Pete Forras said homelessness numbers were on the rise with a predicted surge of up nine per cent in 2021.<\/p>\n
“We are proud to be back with Heat the Homeless for our sixth 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,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We’re so grateful for Anaconda’s support and encourage everybody to donate their pre-loved jackets.<\/p>\n
“Your unwanted clothing will make a world of difference to a fellow Aussie in need.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ANACONDA Geelong is participating in the sixth annual Heat the Homeless appeal in a bid to help vulnerable communities stay warm this winter. With an anticipated 116,000 people across Australia identifying as homeless, the appeal urges community members to donate their pre-loved snow jackets to keep those in need warm. The appeal was formed through […]<\/p>\n