DoSomething Day: Meet the Clothesline volunteers who help the city’s homeless
STEVE COWIE and his group of Clothesline volunteers spend every Wednesday night in the city dispensing clean clothes and blankets to the homeless.
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Steve Cowie and his group of Clothesline volunteers spend every Wednesday night in the city, behind St Marys Cathedral, dispensing clean clothes and blankets to the homeless.
Their patch is next to the Bill Crews Exodus Foundation van which feeds around 150 people an hour.
And they’re encouraging others to volunteer, as they do, on DoSomething Day — a day launched by NewsLocal newspapers which celebrates random kindness — on June 15.
“When I used to drive the food van, homeless people would come up and ask if we had any warm clothing because they were freezing,” Mr Cowie said.
“So when Bill Crews took over the van seven years ago I thought it was time to start operating a clothing van.”
He and fellow founder Ralph Feller started off sourcing second-hand clothing but now manufacturers give Clothesline new clothing or seconds to pass on.
The warehouse in Seven Hills is packed with donations which are loaded into the van.
“I think of it as a Robin Hood operation,” he laughs.
“I take it from someone who has it and give it to someone who hasn’t got anything.”
The former Surrey policeman migrated from the UK in the ’70s and was an investigator for Lloyds of London before working with the Juvenile Justice Department.
The 65-year-old old retired recently but has been volunteering for over 25 years.
“I have always believed in working in the community,” Mr Cowie said.
He volunteered with the Hills SES for seven years where he met Neil Gall from Baulkham Hills who also helps Clothesline.
The Clothesline team typifies the spirit of DoSomething Day, Australia’s biggest ever celebration of volunteering and random acts of kindness being promoted by NewsLocal newspapers, the DoSomething charity and Your Local Club.
Retired auditor Brian Wilkinson volunteers on Tuesdays with the Bill Crews team and on Wednesdays with Clothesline.
“I love it and wouldn’t miss it for the world. There are a lot of psychological problems and people down on their luck but they are interesting people.”
Grace Condon who comes with her intellectually disabled stepdaughter Chanelle said: “I feel like I am visiting my friends. I have always wanted to do something to help.”
Amy Ngian is head of marketing with an IT company.
“I have been helping for over five years. It is so rewarding. It has made me appreciate people’s stories and open my eyes to people’s circumstances. We don’t judge. We offer a simple service.”
Maria and Kelvin Ting have been volunteering for over two years: “We just wanted to do something and give back to the community. More people should. It’s really good to give back.”
The clients are thankful.
Ben Brown, 40, has been homeless for nine years.
“I was frightened at first but I like living on the street, it’s total personal freedom. The bad bit is there is no personal security,” he said.
“I come here (to the food van and clothing desk) for clean clothing, a warm meal and the community.”
Clive from Redfern. retired six months ago. “I come here to eat about twice a week and come and see what clothes there are. Surviving on $35 a day is not easy when you have bills to pay.”
Ivan “The poetry man” said: “I haven’t got anyone. I have given thousands of poems away. It’s my way of saying thank you … I have nothing else to give.”
The biggest need for clients is for new socks, underpants, runners, blankets and sleeping bags. ClothesLine’s biggest challenge is covering the monthly warehouse rent of $2000 and running costs.
You can support Clothesline at clothesline.org.au or email info@clothesline.org.au.
Do something Day takes place on June 15.
Getting involved is easy. Help someone out or do a good deed for the community and upload photos and videos using the hashtag #DoSomethingDay and #giveyourbest
Find out more at dosomethingday.com.au
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