News Release

'Street Friends' in Perth Receives Recognition

The sleeping-bags-for-the-homeless project in Perth has received widespread print and social media coverage, enabling the originators to expand their aid to those in need during the cold winter months. 

Michelle and Graham Dunlop have been working with the homeless for the past eight years.  On Thursday evenings they set up shop at the corner of Wellington and Pier streets in Perth’s CBD where they distribute food and their insulated foil sleeping bags to about 150 people who come for help. Though not an official organization, they are known to the community they serve as “Street Friends.”

One beneficiary, Stephen, said the Dunlops were saviours. "Without this sort of food, we’d be stealing from the shops and not managing very well. I’m very thankful to all the people that are taking on our despair, knowing they could be at home with their families, but they are here with us.” Read more here from Perth Now.

Anouck Van Dyck, media relations specialist for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Perth heard about a program on SONSHINE 98.5 FM which gives away $200 every day to “World Changers”, people like the Dunlops who are trying to make the world a better place for the needy in particular.

Anouck encouraged friends via social media to nominate Michelle, who received the cash prize, which enabled them to purchase a portable shelter they can use on the street to keep the goods they are distributing dry. The publicity they gained through this has also resulted in many people calling in and asking how they can donate and help the “Street Friends” cause.

The new shelter was inaugurated on 21 July when youth from the Church joined the Dunlops on their corner in the CBD and put on a “sausage sizzle” for their guests.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.