Christmas on the Streets

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Christmas on the Streets

Founded in Melbourne, with global plans, Christmas on the Streets (COTS) is working to break the stigma against our homeless brothers and sisters. You and I.

Christmas on the Streets, also known as COTS, is a nonprofit organisation aiding those who are homeless, on the verge of homelessness or poverty stricken. COTS provides food, clothes, sanitary items, gifts and companionship to individuals or communities that are in need. Through their service, COTS also works towards breaking the stigma against those who have found themselves in unfortunate circum

stances and reminds whoever they encounter that they are unconditionally loved, important and always have a purpose. COTS came to fruition in Melbourne, Australia in the year of 2016. Although seeds were being planted in the hearts of the founder for years prior to the establishment, COTS unexpectedly began as a supposedly one-off event (which you can read about on the website). The response following the first event became the spring-board that launched COTS into what it is today. It didn’t only open our eyes to show how serious and real the homelessness crisis in our very own backyard was, but it revealed the beauty of the human spirit that reigns because of the overwhelming number of people who also want to bring about positive change. It wasn’t just the striking stories which were shared on the streets that impelled COTS to take off, rather this entire movement is a true testament to the open and generous hearts of the incredible volunteers who have supported making the world a better place since day one. COTS is not just another ‘charity thing’ – it’s a human thing. All of us are called to help and pick each other up when one has fallen. That’s why COTS does what it does; because we believe it’s time to stop judging and turning a blind eye, but instead pour endless love into a world that desperately needs it. We will change the world. Together. Today.

19/06/2026

While we may have been a little quieter online lately, we’ve been exactly where we’ve always been - on the front lines, meeting our friends right where they are.

For almost 10 years, this has been the foundation of Christmas on the Streets. Week in, week out, through every season, we’ve remained committed to providing lifesaving essentials, meaningful connection and genuine care to those doing it tough in our backyard.

Over May and June, our team has continued with our COTS Street Runs, including the return of our weeknight outreach. From hot meals and snack packs to conversations, support and catching up with some familiar faces, every single one reminds us why this work matters.

To our incredible volunteers and team leaders who have braved the cold winter nights - thank you. Your compassion, commitment and willingness to show up for others is what makes this work possible.

And to every person who donates, shares our posts, funds a meal, sponsors a pack or supports our mission in any way - thank you. We simply could not continue this work without you. Every single dollar makes a difference and nothing goes unnoticed. For 10 years you have carried us.

We have one more COTS Street Run scheduled this month, on Saturday the 27th of June, before we roll into our annual COTS Winter Event preparations!

We look forward to continuing to serve alongside you, towards a world where homelessness ceases to be a reality. Thank you for your ongoing support 🙏🏼🌏❤️

02/06/2026

One room. One class. One community.

Together, almost $5,000 raised to support people experiencing homelessness 🤍

What started as an idea became a room full of people moving with intention, connecting with one another and making a real difference in the lives of others.

Pilates for a Purpose was Event 3 of our 10 for 10 campaign, celebrating 10 years of Christmas on the Streets and raising funds to continue supporting those we meet on the streets Melbourne.

To every person who bought a ticket, donated, shared the event, purchased a raffle ticket, volunteered, partnered with us or simply showed up - thank you. This is what community looks like 🫶🏼

A special thank you to for helping bring this vision to life and creating such a beautiful experience for everyone involved 💫

10 years ago, COTS started with a simple belief and huge vision - a world where homelessness ceases to be a reality.

Almost a decade later, that same belief and vision continues to bring incredible people together and make a difference in the lives of others.

We want to shout out and extend our gratitude once again to our incredible partners and sponsors who helped make this event what it was. This is a reminder to support people who use their platforms to be the good in this world, people like those behind:
melbourne melbourne

pilates
senseofself

vottari wear

au

3 events down. 7 to go.

Thank you for being part of the journey 🌏❤️

25/05/2026

Yesterday was something really special 🤍

Pilates for a Purpose marked Event 3 of our 10 for 10 campaign - celebrating 10 years of COTS while raising awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness.

A massive thank you to for helping bring this vision to life and for sharing her magic with everyone who attended. It was so special that your very first event down under also landed on your one year anniversary of calling Australia home, we are so blessed to have you here 🇦🇺🫶🏼

To every single person who bought a ticket, donated, purchased raffle tickets, shared the event or simply showed up with love and energy - thank you! Because of your generosity, we not only created such a fun and beautiful day of community, but together raised almost $5,000 for COTS 🙏🏼

A big shout out and thank you to all of the incredible brands and businesses who helped make the day what it was:

• One of Australia’s leading beauty retailers for the unbelievably generous beauty bags gifted to every guest
• .melbourne & .melbourne
•
• .pilates
•
• .senseofself
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• .vottari
• .wear
•
•
• .au

Thank you to and for the 10/10 catering and coffee that kept everyone full, caffeinated and happy all morning ☕️

And to for absolutely spoiling us with your Musclemisu pots - the perfect sweet treat after class!

Huge thank you as well to for the beautiful space. We cannot wait to see the magic that Daniel from puts together from the day 🎥

3 events down. 7 to go 🥳
Stick with us…because we’re only just getting started on this crazy rollercoaster 🎢

What an adventure these last almost 10 years have been. Thank you for believing in us, backing us and helping us continue serving towards a world where homelessness ceases to be a reality.

All my love and gratitude,
Rose 🥀
Founder, Christmas on the Streets 🌏❤️

07/05/2026

May & June COTS Street Run dates are here 🙏🏼

This is the backbone and foundation of our movement. Almost every single weekend, our volunteers hit the streets to provide hot meals, snack packs, essentials, conversation and support to people experiencing homelessness in our backyard.

These Street Runs are the heart of what we do at COTS. They’re where connection happens. Where dignity is restored. Where community comes together.

Whether you’ve joined us in the past or have been wanting to get involved for the first time, we’d love to have you join us. Everyone is always welcome.

No experience needed. Just a heart that recognises the need and does something about it. People who, when it can be hard to see the good in world, choose to BE the good in the world.

If you would like to come along and be part of the change, all you have to do is message us to let us know which date you’ll be attending.

It hasn’t been easy doing this as a group of volunteers for as long as we have, but almost a decade later, we’re still here.
Thank you to everyone who has made it possible 🌏❤️

22/04/2026

EVENT 3 📣

Melbourne…this is BIG!

For the first time ever, - a world-renowned Pilates instructor known for selling out events across the U.S. - is hosting her first Australian event.

Originally from Houston, Texas, now calling Melbourne home…and she’s chosen COTS for her first collaboration here.

After six years of sold-out events across America, she is in demand everywhere. Her classes sell out before people can even get their hands on tickets.

And now - she’s bringing that energy to YOU. To our COTS community!

Introducing…

PILATES FOR A PURPOSE ❤️‍🔥
📅 Sunday May 24th 2026
📍 No Filter Studios, Brunswick

This isn’t just a Pilates class - it’s a full experience:

• Pilates with the one and only Danna Gadalla
• Premium goodie bag for each guest (wellness, skincare, Pilates essentials)
• Entry into major raffle prizes (staycations, salons, skin clinics, artwork + more)
• Grazing table, DJ, photobooth + activations

And the most important part…

100% of every ticket goes directly towards supporting people experiencing homelessness through COTS’ street outreach across Melbourne.

This is Event 3 of our 10 for 10 campaign…and it’s set to be something special.

Tickets are limited and they go live this Friday, April 24th.

Set your alarms because once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Let’s do this! 🌏❤️

05/04/2026

Happy Easter 🤍

Today we celebrate the ultimate reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope is never lost.

As we reflect on Christ’s love, sacrifice and compassion, may we be called to live that out in the way we see and serve others. Especially those who are hurting, forgotten, lonely and overlooked in today’s society.

While many gather in comfort and joy today, many of our friends are living and sleeping on the streets.
So today, whilst we hope everyone had a beautiful and blessed day full of celebration, may it also remind us to be the hands, feet and hearts our world needs.

Spread love. Show kindness. Be patient. Withdraw from judgement. Restore dignity.
When you can’t see good, BE the good.

Easter is not just something we remember. It is something we live.

“He is not here; for He is risen.” 🙏🏼

The dates for COTS Street Runs in April and May will be shared this week and we have some exciting event updates around the corner as well.

Stay tuned and thank you for being here 🌏❤️

12/03/2026

SAVE THE DATE - Saturday, 5 December 2026 💫
📍 The Promenade - Docklands, Melbourne

Ten years ago, a simple act of kindness began on the streets of Melbourne.

What started with a small group of volunteers has grown into a movement powered by compassion, community and hope.

For a decade, Christmas on the Streets has been supporting people experiencing homelessness across Melbourne - sharing meals, conversations and moments of dignity with those doing it tough.

This year, we celebrate 10 years of impact.

To mark this milestone, we are hosting our 10 Year Anniversary Black-Tie Charity Gala - an evening to honour the journey so far and the future we are building together.

Tickets will be released soon. For now, save the date and get your tables ready.

Thank you for helping us get here. We’re going to make this a night for the books forever 🤍

28/02/2026

COTS 10 FOR 10 – EVENT 2 💜

Following the incredible success of our first event, we’re so excited to officially announce our second event for the year…

We’re doing this one together 🙏🏼

As part of our 10 for 10 campaign, COTS is proud to be collaborating with Altru Charity for Altru Fest - a powerful, dignified outreach festival for those in need.

✨ COTS x Altru Charity – Altru Fest
📍 Atherton Reserve, Fitzroy
🗓 Sunday 15th March 2026
⏰ 12PM - 5PM (Volunteers arrive at 11am for an induction)

This is a day dedicated to connection, care and community, with essential services, food, clothing, health support, haircuts, groceries, music and celebration all in one safe, welcoming space.

COTS will have our own marquee on the day and we want our people there with us.

To every COTS volunteer.
To every member of our community.
To those who’ve been asking, “What’s next?”

This is your invitation.

You’ll be able to:
• Represent COTS
• Serve alongside another incredible charity
• Support essential services and food distribution
• Connect directly with our friends and guests
• Help create an experience that restores dignity

This isn’t just volunteering.
It’s collaboration in action.
It’s showing up together.
It’s expanding our impact beyond just our own events.

If you’re part of the COTS family, please register and join us.

Every volunteer on the day will not only support COTS, but will directly support people in need attending the festival. This is what collaboration in action looks like.

Let’s make Event 2 just as powerful as Event 1 🌏❤️

27/02/2026

February Street Runs 🙏🏼

While we’re deep in planning mode for our 10 for 10 campaign, and still celebrating the incredible success of our first event (highlight video dropping this weekend 👀 + Event 2 and the full year timeline announcement coming soon!), one thing will never change…

Our COTS Street Runs are our backbone ♾️

They are the essence of what Christmas on the Streets is.

No matter how big the events grow, no matter how many rooms we fill, no matter how much noise we make this year… our weekly presence on the streets of Melbourne remains our heartbeat.

This is our touch point.
This is where relationships are built.
This is where stories are shared.
This is where we listen.
This is where we learn.

Every conversation, every hug, every snack pack, every hot meal - it informs everything we do and directs everywhere we go.

To our volunteers, thank you.
For showing up on weekends and after long work days.
For donating.
For pulling trolleys.
For sitting on the streets and truly seeing the person in front of you.
For treating every single one of our friends with dignity and compassion.

Hope. Compassion. Dignity. Community.
They’re not just words. We live them out every single month.

10 years.
Still grounded. Still present. Still on the streets. 🌏❤️

20/02/2026

RUN FOR HOPE - IMPORTANT EVENT DAY UPDATE! 📣

We’re excited and looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday in Williamtown! With over 100 participants joining us, staggered arrival and start times are now in place to ensure smooth registration, safe course flow, minimal congestion and responsible use of public space.

Please arrive ONLY at your allocated time as outlined above.

On arrival, head directly to your designated registration table, check in, collect your t-shirt and bib, then move away from the registration area once complete towards your starting point.

Groups are staggered by distance and pace for safety and to protect the experience for all participants.

We appreciate your cooperation, understanding, support and your heart behind why we’re coming together.

Let’s make our first official event for COTS’ 10 FOR 10 campaign powerful, impactful and an enjoyable one to remember ❤️‍🔥🚀

Please leave any questions you may have in the comments below or you’re welcome to shoot us a DM or email 🙏🏼

Lastly, today Rose will be reaching out to all participants to confirm which event they will be participating in, so please keep an eye out on the emails you used to register.

Thank you and see you on Sunday! 🥳🌏❤️

Address

Melbourne, VIC

Website

http://www.christmasonthestreets.com/

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