The Gold Coast SUNS have today joined the Gold Coast Homeless Network to launch the 17th Connect 2 Home donation drive at People First Stadium.

People First Stadium will host the annual event, which aims to provide immediate supply and service relief for Gold Coasters experiencing homelessness, for a 12th consecutive year on Wednesday, August 5.

Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans today joined Gold Coast Homelessness Network Chairperson Maria Leebeek, City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and a host of the event’s major supporters at People First Stadium to officially launch the 2026 donation drive.

Leebeek says the annual event is an important opportunity for Gold Coasters in need to access important services that can be accessed and utilised day-to-day.

“This event is for people who are homeless, but also people who are living in their homes and their cupboards are bare,” Leebeek said.

“What’s important is that we’re catering for people who have required these services before and also those who are in need of these services for the first time. This is a great opportunity to – with no questions asked – connect with services, get a haircut, access some food and start to feel a little better for themselves.”

“This is an important opportunity for people to see what services may be available to them and where you can access information that can be used every day of the year.”

The Gold Coast SUNS headquarters at the Austworld Centre is once again an official donation collection point with the Gold Coast Homelessness Network calling on the community to support those in need by providing non-perishable food items, food vouchers, clothing and toiletries.

Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said the club is proud to be a major supporter of the event once again.

“This will be the 12th year that People First Stadium has hosted this event and we're delighted to do so. It's an important event on the calendar and it gives our club, our players and staff, a chance to give back,” Evans said.

“My big push for everybody who supports the Gold Coast SUNS, and everyone in the Gold Coast community, is if you get the chance to put in an extra can of food or an extra bag of rice into your shopping trolley, please do so. Find the old blankets, and clothing that you don’t need anymore and play a part in helping those who need it most.”

For more information on donation points and August’s event, please visit gchn.org.au/connect-2-home