Anonymous donations help homeless

People sleeping rough in Bunbury have been given a helping hand by an anonymous South West couple.

While on holidays the couple read a story published on the South Western Times’ website about a donation of 10 swags from Access Housing that would allow nearly half the homeless population in Bunbury a dry place to sleep.

The couple, who want to remain nameless, donated 15 Backpack Beds, made by Swags for the Homeless, to Bunbury Salvation Army Corps.

The couple said they thought it was shameful that people were sleeping rough in Bunbury.

“We were aware that there are more issues behind the headlines,” they said.

“Pontificating or eulogising about the real causes or effects, whilst good for politicians, would not keep someone on the streets warm tonight.

“We felt the least we could do was to provide the other half of Bunbury’s homeless with a warmer bed.”

The delivery of three boxes of the beds arrived at Bunbury Salvation Army Corps late last month.

Bunbury Salvation Army Corps officer in charge Harriet Farquhar said she did not unwrap the delivery for fear it was not for her.

It was after a phone call from the anonymous donor that she realised she could make plans for the beds.

“It has been a week of bad news and people doing it tough,” Lt Farquhar said.

“This is not just 15 nights’ accommodation, it could be 150 nights.

“This can make people feel human in a situation that does not have much humanity about it.”

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