Swags For Homeless founder names Australia Day Heroes

The winner of the 2011 Australian Human Rights Award for charities has announced its selection of Australia Day Heroes.

Swags For Homeless is a community organisation that produces specially designed 'swag-bags' to be distributed directly to the homeless.

The innovative product came into being after the founder and chairman of the group Tony Clark began to question why people sleeping on the street did not have access to outdoor bedding provisions.

His investigations resulted in the invention of the trademarked Backpack Bed - which has won numerous awards for innovation and design.

The swag features industrial-strength fabric that is both waterproof and windproof, in addition to being mildew resistant and non-combustible.

Tape-seals help to keep moisture out, while cut resistant mosquito netting allows for better rest and breathability.

In addition, the entire unit can be folded up and packed into a built-in container that doubles as a handy backpack weighing only 4 kilograms - half the weight of a traditional canvas swag - and only costs $68 to produce.

As a direct result of these important features the Backpack Bed is in extremely high demand, with more than 200 charity organisations and homeless support organisations across the country utilising the program.

The firm itself receives no funding from government sources and is entirely reliant on donations from public and corporate sponsors.

Nonprofit communications solutions are supplied to the group pro-bono, as are legal services, web hosting and storage options - with all contributors recognised on the Swags For Homeless website.

In recognition of the generous individuals who make the production of the Backpack Bed possible, Swags For Homeless has unveiled a new charity initiative.

Clark asserted: "To acknowledge the amazing lengths some Australians have gone to help others, we’ve launched our 'Australia Day Heroes' programme.

"In 2011, some very special individuals went beyond volunteering and showed astounding sacrifice to help street sleeping homeless."

One young contributor - a 12-year-old boy from Sydney - chose to forego birthday presents for a year and instead raised $2,000 for the homeless.

Others included an ex-homeless man who slept in a Backpack Bag for a year and advocates the product's success.

With no government funds, the nonprofit organisation was only able to produce and distribute a total of 3,000 units - just 14 per cent of the estimated 21,000 packs required to meet the needs of the Australian homeless population.

"Due to a lack of funding we had to turn away 39 organisations in 2011 who pleaded to be part of our study proven Backpack Bed program, it’s heartbreaking," said Clark.

"Australians help their mates. All of our Australia Day Heroes assisted Swags for Homeless in our work to save the lives of homeless turned away from shelters empty handed."