Woollen jackets that are no longer used by CFA firefighters have been donated to keep some of Victoria’s homeless warm at night.
The CFA Logistics team and Doreen volunteer firefighters joined forces to distribute discontinued CFA jackets to Melbourne's homeless.
The jackets were used as an interim warm jacket while more fit-for-purpose protective clothing was developed for firefighters. Once the jackets were replaced, firefighters were given the option to keep them for personal use or return them to CFA Headquarters, for donation to charity.
Teaming up with ski gear company XTM’s Heat the Homeless campaign, CFA handed out 50 of the jackets at a regular event held by Victoria-based charity Anonymous X in central Melbourne tonight.
CFA Chief Executive Officer Paul Smith said he couldn’t think of a better way to make sure the returned jackets went to those who could most benefit from them.
“The Heat the Homeless campaign has already helped provide many homeless Victorians with a warm jacket to protect them against cold and wet weather and we’re delighted to be able to help keep a few more people warm this season,” he said.
“Spring may be in the air some days, but the nights are still cold for the thousands of Victorians who are sleeping rough and if our jackets can offer some relief, we’re incredibly happy we’ve been able to donate them.”
XTM owner Pete Forras said the donation was sure to make a huge difference in many people's lives.
“It is amazing to have the CFA come on board with our Heat The Homeless campaign - an organisation known for saving lives all over the country. The tireless work that the CFA and Anonymous X do in helping vulnerable people is truly inspiring and it is an honour to be part of a campaign that has brought these two great organisations together,” he said.
Anonymous X spokesperson Genine Thornton, whose son founded the charity out of their garage five years ago, said the jackets had been popular with visitors to the charity’s fortnightly event last Friday.
“It’s been great to see the smiles on people’s faces as they’ve tried on some of these jackets,” she said.
CFA Acting Manager Procurement & Logistics Chrissie Siegman said it had been an honour to team up with volunteer firefighters from Doreen CFA and volunteers from Anonymous X to spread some joy and warmth to some of Melbourne’s homeless.
“It was amazing - the smiles, laughs and genuine heart-felt thanks made me so happy,” she said.
CFA will continue collecting jackets from its members for distribution in the lead-up to next year’s cold season.
CFA members wanting to donate any remaining jackets can contact the Logistics team via c.siegman@cfa.vic.gov.au or call 03 9262 8733.