I have blogged about how I have been handing out these great Aussie swags for the homeless guys I see each week, and if I haven’t yet said how much these guys love them, then I have just done so! The reaction to these have been one of relief and thanks!
So, I take great pleasure in letting you all know that Jean Madden and Street Swags won the prestigious international Index Design People’s Choice Award recently in Denmark. Jean Madden, and the entire organisation deserve this impressive recognition for their outstanding work.
Street Swags has empowered and brought together all levels of the community. Corporate and private entities donate funds. Prisoners sew, gaining work readiness skills and recognized qualifications. Aboriginal communities gain government employment, home industry skills, and a finished product for their families. School children roll and pack Street Swags with blankets, pillows, hygiene packs, and knitted winter essentials as part of their school’s Social Justice Program. Numerous aid organizations such as St. Vincent De Paul and Salvation Army, hospitals, community groups, and volunteers distribute them across Australia.
INDEX:Award recipient Jean Madden of Brisbane says “I designed the Street Swag in 2005 because I felt it wasn’t good enough that people in my community were sleeping on concrete each night. My unique portable bed was designed to ease some of the health issues related to homelessness and sleeping rough.’”
Jean Madden who is a school teacher, credits all the organizations and volunteers that is a part of the project
“This is how I have been able to give away over 10,000 Street Swags to those sleeping rough. This community network recently allowed me to have hundreds of Street Swags ready for the Victorian bush fire victims within hours of their becoming homeless.”
“The world economic crisis means a world homelessness crisis. Like a Soup Kitchen, Street Swags are about keeping people alive. We have begun making Street Swags for aid and emergency relief organizations outside Australia. We are working to set up industry and microfinance in Kolkata and East Timor to increase production.”
Again congratulations to Jean and the team! I also will be looking at getting 10 more Street Swags to hand out!
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