We need your help!

Our 2017 Bendigo Community Coat Drive is underway and we’re aiming to break the record of 2300 items this year.

Please check your cupboards, draws and those boxes that have been sitting in the shed for ages to see if you have a jacket, jumper or blanket that hasn’t been worn in a while.

Our kind community donated 2300 items last year and every one was distributed to someone in need through Bendigo Community Health Services sites at central Bendigo, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat.

We also provided coats to like-minded organisations such as Haven Home Safe to distribute to their clients.

This is your chance to help someone less fortunate keep warm through the winter months.

The Coat Drive runs from May 22 to June 9. So, where do you drop off your coats?

Bendigo collection points

Pristine Dry Cleaners

Shop 141/157-161 High Street, Bendigo.

Any Bendigo Community Health Services site:

Bendigo Central – 171 Hargreaves Street.

Eaglehawk – 3 Seymoure Street.

Kangaroo Flat – 13 Helm Street.

If you need more information about the coat drive or have a question, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 5448 1600.

Thank you Lisa Chesters and Pristine Dry Cleaners

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters kicked off our 2017 Bendigo Community Coat Drive by donating the coat she made famous during the 2016 election campaign.

Our CEO Kim Sykes said the donation was a great start to the 2017 coat drive.

“This is a wonderful gesture by Lisa which we hope inspires the community to look into their cupboards for coats, jumpers and blankets that are no longer needed,” Ms Sykes said.

“Warm clothing becomes essential as the weather turns bitter but not everyone can just go out and buy a new coat - this is the opportunity for the community to help others in need.

“We collected more than 2300 items last year and these were all distributed through our sites.”

Ms Sykes said BCHS was thankful for the continued support of Pristine Dry Cleaners.

“Pristine Dry Cleaners cleans every item donated during the Coat Drive. When you consider the number of items and the time that takes – this is a truly amazing community gesture. Their support is so valuable in making sure these items get to those who need them in good condition.”

Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said she was keen to support the Bendigo Community Coat Drive.

“I’m proud to support this great initiative and donate one of my favourite red coats,” Lisa said.

“Winters in Bendigo are cold and a good coat is really a necessity. The people of Bendigo are generous and I know they will get behind Bendigo Community Health Services to support the Coat Drive.”

Pristine Dry Cleaners manager Sarah Richards said supporting the Bendigo Community Coat Drive was a way of giving back to the community every year.

“This is our way of helping people in need,” Sarah said. “There’s a strong sense of community support in helping those in need.

“Each year we try and rally behind the community in order to beat last year’s donations.”