Warm Hearts Winter Drive – Donate, Dry Clean, Distribute

Warm Hearts Winter Drive: Supporting Our Community This Winter

As the colder months arrive in Melbourne, we’re proud to introduce our Warm Hearts Winter Drive — a community initiative dedicated to providing clean, warm essentials to those who need them most.

The idea is simple: Donate. Clean. Deliver.

Community members can drop off new or gently used blankets, doonas, and winter jackets at any Master Dry Cleaners store. From there, we professionally clean every item at no cost before passing them on to Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne, who ensure these donations reach individuals and families doing it tough this winter.

Why This Matters

As a business rooted in Melbourne’s inner west, we see firsthand the challenges many in our community are facing. The rising cost of living isn’t just a headline — it’s affecting real people across Footscray, Yarraville, Sunshine, and beyond.

“We have been operating in Melbourne for over 75 years, starting in WErribee in 1948. ‘Our community has always supported us as we have supported them. When people around you are struggling, you don’t look away — you contribute in whatever way you can. For us, that means using our facilities to clean and prepare donated items so they can be passed on with dignity.”
— David Hudson, Owner

“Most households have a spare doona or a jacket that hasn’t been worn in years. By donating it, you’re helping provide immediate comfort to someone who truly needs it. It’s a simple act that makes a real difference.”
— David Hudson, Owner

About Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne

Reaching Out is a grassroots organization founded by Randa Beirouti, who has been supporting the local community since 2005. What began as a small volunteer effort has grown into a vital frontline service in Melbourne’s inner west.

With the help of more than 70 volunteers, the organization now:

• Serves hundreds of meals every Monday evening at Footscray Mall
• Delivers food to Unison Housing communities in Footscray and Seddon throughout the week
• Provides essential items including fresh food, toiletries, clothing, and sleeping bags

Importantly, Reaching Out operates entirely through community support, without government funding. In recent years, demand has increased significantly, with support extending to elderly residents, public housing tenants, international students, and working families.

How You Can Help

You can contribute by dropping off the following items at any Master Dry Cleaners location:

• Blankets
• Doonas
• Winter jackets

We’ll take care of the cleaning, and Reaching Out will handle distribution.

If you’d prefer to support financially, you can donate directly via the website by visiting:
www.reachingoutintheinnerwestofmelbourne.com.au

 

Keeping Each Other Warm

Winter can be especially difficult for those without stable housing or adequate heating. Something as simple as a clean blanket or a warm jacket can provide comfort, dignity, and relief during this time.

Thank you for helping us support our community.

Master Dry Cleaners — proudly supporting Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne