Will you be there for the community who never imagined they'd need us?
This winter, you can help make someone feel loved, and not forgotten.
As the cold winter months approach, the harsh reality of our visitors sleeping rough becomes even more pressing. The freezing temperatures can be life-threatening, which is why it is so important to be there for those who never imagined they'd need us this winter.
At Wayside Chapel, our staff and volunteers on the frontline are reporting record levels of demand and greater complexity in needs from our visitors.
Last year, we saw a 52% increase in visitors accessing our services over the winter months. Colder days and longer nights mean more people seek support in the form of warm clothes and blankets, hot meals at our Community Cafe as well as housing support and medical referrals.1
That’s why it’s so critical we keep our doors open during the cold winter months at Wayside Chapel.
You can ensure Wayside provides unconditional acceptance and love that can help our visitors feel safe, sometimes for the first time in their life.
Show the most vulnerable people in our community that you choose love every time.
“Wayside is a place I call home without sleeping there. I don't know what I would do if it didn't exist.”
Carol, Wayside Chapel Visitor
Meet Carol
Carol has been part of our Wayside family for 25 years. She turned to us when going through a difficult divorce - a very dark time for her.
During this time, Carol was experiencing depression and agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder characterised by a fear of distressing situations where help is unavailable. She turned to Wayside feeling alone and vulnerable.
We welcomed her with a safe, loving environment and supported her through this difficult time. Over the years, she has attended most of our weekly activities and through speaking to staff and visitors, is experiencing anxiety less and less.
She told us "If I didn't find Wayside when I did, life would be very different."
Carol knows how important it is to talk to people about their issues and loves that Wayside’s doors have always been open for her to do just that...
“Wayside is somewhere you can come to and not be judged, rather feel safe and have company.”
With your donation today, we can support more people like Carol this winter season. Make your tax-deductible donation today.
Carol (right) and Danielle (left) are good friends. They first met at Wayside Chapel and you'll rarely find one without the other!
What does your donation do?
More Australians, long accustomed to getting by, are now precariously close to hunger or homelessness due to a rental hike or unforeseen bill.
Over the next few winter months, we are preparing to welcome almost 12,000 visitors.
Your support this winter will help us meet this urgent and rising demand.
Please give today.
In the last year2, we are so grateful that you have enabled us to provide...
30,108 clothes and bedding to keep a person clothed and warm.
88,700 freshly-cooked meals to people who need it the most.
361 visitors a day on average, welcomed into the centre to support them the best we can.
Thanks to you, we can always be there to deliver love and connection.
All donations to Wayside Chapel over $2 are tax-deductible.
If you have any questions or would like to make a donation over the phone, please call (02) 9581 9101.
Alternatively, you can email winter@waysidechapel.org.au
1 The above figures are from statistics captured on 31 March 2025.
2 The above stats are from statistics captured from 1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025.
