More than two decades ago, as I strolled down Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, a scene unfolded that would change the course of my life. A man, shivering in the bitter cold, lay asleep on a park bench. The chill in the air pierced through, and in that moment, I was moved to strip the coat off my back, offering a layer of warmth to someone in desperate need.
That single act sparked a cascade of thoughts about the multitude of individuals yearning for warmth and the surplus of preloved coats hanging in my home and the homes of friends. I gathered a small, passionate group of like-minded people to launch Off Your Back, a winter coat collection drive. The vision was clear – to take the coat off my back and place it on someone in need. No money would change hands, no complexities, just a pure and simple initiative. An email would be the guiding force, directing people to collect and contribute their preloved coats, which would then be redistributed to the staggering number of homeless individuals in Victoria.
Off Your Back’s resonance within our Victorian community has been remarkable, with businesses generously providing drop-off locations, and Capital Transport graciously handling the courier collection and redistribution without charge.
There are no committees or sponsor-led budgets. A viral email ignited a wave of compassion, inspiring people to leave their coats at Off Your Back drop-off spots. They find joy in knowing that their cherished items embark on a new journey, bringing warmth and comfort to those who truly need them. The initiative has evolved to include school collections, company collaborations, and the invaluable contributions of individual volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to the program annually.
With immense pride, I can say that we have distributed more than 300,000 coats to those in need, achieving this remarkable feat without spending a single cent.
Toni x