Donate blankets for the homeless at Allianz Stadium

League fans are encouraged to bring blankets along to the Roosters v Bulldogs match at Allianz Stadium on Monday night to donate to Sydney’s roughsleepers.

Sydney Roosters have kindly offered to host the Missionbeat van out the front of Allianz stadium on Monday night from 4:30pm, where spectators are encouraged to drop off their donated blankets.

Missionbeat service manager, Daniel Strickland, says the city’s roughsleepers are in crisis after the recent cold weather, which has left Missionbeat, one of Sydney’s leading homeless support services, without enough blankets to meet demand.

The homeless transport service – which has patrolled Sydney’s inner city streets providing support and comfort to rough sleepers for more than 30 years – is now calling on Roosters and Bulldogs fans alike to donate good quality and clean blankets to help it meet demand and keep its clients safe and warm.

“Officially around 400 people sleep rough in and around Sydney’s CBD every night – but since the weather turned, given the strength of demand, it’s felt like twice that number,” Mr Strickland said.

“And our blanket stocks are running particularly low. Of course, ideally, all these people would have access to accommodation and a warm bed – but Sydney just doesn't have enough to go around. So a blanket or a swag is the next best thing.”

“So we’re calling on league fans to help the city’s most vulnerable people,” Mr Strickland said.

If fans can’t get to the match on Monday, blankets can be donated to Missionbeat by contacting 1800 306 461 or by dropping them off in person at Unit 1/1 Brompton Street, Marrickville.