The Shelterbag is keeping many vulnerable people protected this winter; these are some of the organisations in the Western Cape that are giving them to people in need.
Cape Town, South Africa (18 August 2022) – The Sheltersuit was developed by Bas Timmer in the Netherlands, Europe, as an answer to the influx of refugees who were left without shelter in a foreign place. The suit offered protection from cold weather that many refugees had never experienced before. As the organisation grew, it employed the very refugees they were working to save.
Soon, the suits were being made by the refugees for refugees. As the suits got international recognition, the global foundation was established. They now work in countries across the globe, including South Africa!
The production factory currently employs ten women, and they have worked tirelessly to make sure they have enough stock to help the homeless through winter.
The original Sheltersuit has been adapted into the Shelterbag, which was also designed by Bas Timmer. It is made in South Africa and is specifically adapted to warmer climates, and provides protection from the wind and rain. It is compact, lightweight and allows for unsheltered people to easily transport it with them wherever they go as a daily-use bag, so their goods are protected and in one place.
‘The Shelterbag is a portable, sheltered bed that rolls up into a bag. It is waterproof, lightweight, easy to handle and has an extra compartment for some personal items. It comes with a sleeping bag and a built-in pillow but also has room for an extra mattress or blanket, making it adaptable for all seasons. A flexible tent pole is integrated into the hood to keep it upright, providing more space and better shelter from the rain.’
Many organisations have been handing them out throughout the winter months to keep the vulnerable in South Africa, protected and sheltered.
Rea Thusana Foundation founder Phinius Sebatsane recently gave a few of these life-saving bags to vulnerable people living in Cape Town. Sadly, there are many people living on the streets today that were not just 2 years ago. Compassion and respect goes a long way to supporting these people as does offering ways to get back what was lost.
The Somerset West Night Shelter made sure some of their regulars were protected thanks to a generous donation from donors.
“What a difference a Shelter Suit Sleeping Bag makes to those who brave the cold night after night. It has been a joy for us to pass on the generation donation from Etesh Lala and Friends to our regular voucher clients. They are astounded when they realise such an excellently well made ‘mobile bed’ is their’s to keep.”
You can follow Sheltersuit South Africa here for more information about how to help our local homeless community. NPOs are encouraged to reach out via the official website, which you can find here.
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