The Gold Coast SUNS have today helped launch the 14^th Gold Coast Connect to Home donation drive.

The SUNS are joining forces with the Gold Coast Homeless Network once again in 2023, and are calling on the community to donate non-perishable food items, food vouchers, clothing toiletries and more to support those who need help.

August 2, 2023 will be the ninth time Heritage Bank Stadium has hosted the Connect To Home (Homeless Connect) event.

“When we were talking to Heritage Bank about becoming naming rights partner of the Stadium, they were as interested in the community outcomes and events as they were for the events through the AFL and major concerts,” Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said.

“We know that day (August 2) unfortunately will be bigger than ever, and it’s our job to make it better than ever through the things that we do on that day to make those people feel special and cared for by the community.

“In the lead up it means that we need to promote to everybody if you have the ability to assist via a donation, please do that.

“We really need to do a good job because some people are finding it tough and difficult to to either maintain their own home, or they’ve had to get out of their home and finding temporary accommodation, and we need to do more to be able to get them through this period.”

Across the Gold Coast, increasing numbers of people are finding it difficult to be able to find a home, or remain in their home, that is safe and affordable.

“The Gold Coast has seen sustained increases in the price of living, especially around the cost of housing.  These pressures have placed great burdens on our community where people are struggling to pay rent, mortgages, bills, and keep food on the table,” Maria Leebeek, Chairperson – Gold Coast Homeless Network said.

“We are now seeing greater numbers of people who are working but unable to sustain current homes or access alternative affordable housing.  This has meant that more people are couch surfing with families and friends and unfortunately an increase in the numbers of people who are sleeping in cars or rough sleeping.

“This year we are asking our community to donate items that could make a difference to the lives of children, young people, families, and older Australians that are doing it tough in the lead-up to August 2nd, when we will hold our 14^th annual Connect 2 Home Homeless Connect event at Heritage Bank Stadium.”

Those looking to donate can do so from today at dedicated collection points including Gold Coast City Council, GCCC libraries, the Austworld Centre and Heritage Bank Stadium for Rounds 18 and 20.

For information on locations, please www.gchomelessnessnetwork.com.