The Catalytic Foundation has engaged the Dunedin Curtain Bank to sew about 500 sustainable bags for its Big Warm Up initiative.
The fabric bags will be filled with essentials such as blankets, jackets and warm socks for people living in hardship across New Zealand.
Dunedin Curtain Bank manager Belinda Le Lievre said volunteers and staff were using excess fabric and offcuts to sew the bags.
‘‘Sometimes we get donated materials that are not suitable for making curtains out of but they might be great for making a bag,’’ Ms Le Lievre said.
Catalytic Foundation chief executive Teresa Moore said rather than using heavy plastic, having a sustainably produced carrier was a better alternative.
This is the first year the campaign has rolled out nationally and already it has received requests from about 200 charities for more than 1500 bags.
Ms Moore said the bags contain winter clothing and blankets, while specific packages for homeless individuals also include a tent and sleeping bag.
She anticipated at least 100 bags would be distributed in Dunedin.
‘‘There’s the Dunedin Night Shelter and places like that that we are definitely trying to get packs to,’’ she said.
Ms Moore highlighted the support of Aramex Couriers
‘‘We have had some great support from the local Aramex division in Dunedin.
‘‘They are looking to courier things around the country for us which is a huge cost we don’t have to worry about,’’ Ms Moore said.
People can visit bigwarmup.org.nz to request a ‘‘bag of warmth’’ or to donate.
Ms Le Lievre said the Dunedin Curtain Bank was heading into its busiest time of the year, so clearing space by reusing offcuts not needed for curtains was useful.
The charity provides warm, durable curtains free of charge to full-time students and people with a community services card.
‘‘We are providing on average now around 800 sets of curtains a year to the community,’’ she said.
Ms Le Lievre said the organisation also provides a re-lining option.
‘‘That is quite a good option if you have already got good curtains that fit and you just want to be a bit warmer.’’
They use a blockout lining which also shuts out light.
‘‘So particularly good if it is a room that gets a lot of light or sun and it can be good for people on night shifts.’’
The charity is currently seeking donations of larger curtains.
‘‘We are always happy to receive good longer drop curtains,’’ Ms Le Lievre said.
‘‘We always get tons of little ones but we never get many of the big ones.’’
Visit dunedincurtainbank.org.nz to request curtains or to make a donation.
