New Undies, New Start: Bringing Dignity to Women in Crisis

By donating new undies, your small gift will have a big impact – changing the lives of those escaping domestic violence.

You’re invited…

We’re broadcasting Live on Thursday 16 October 2025 from 6am – 9am at Hope House Espresso (21/156 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland)

Come say hi to the Salt 106.5 team and enjoy a free coffee! 

A morning of hope and connection

To celebrate the amazing generosity of our Sunshine Coast community. 

Key points:

Warning: If you find the content of this article distressing, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Salt 106.5 Careline on 07 5400 2754. There are also other support helplines like 1800Respect (1800 737 732) available for you here.

While you may not have thought about it before, donating new undies is a practical way to support women escaping domestic violence and other crises.

Often leaving in moments of fear with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, these women face the added stress of having no basics to begin again. Something as simple as a fresh pair of underwear can make the difference between going back into a dangerous situation, or moving forward.

A fresh pair of undies can make the difference between going back into a dangerous situation, or moving forward.

How you can help

You’re invited to be part of this special campaign in three simple steps:

1. Buy Undies

Go and buy a pack of new, womens undies (all sizes are needed).

2. Drop Off

Drop off the new undies at any of our drop off locations listed below, between Monday 29 September and Wednesday 15 October.

3. Pray

Pray for the women and families being supported – for safety, courage, and hope.

Next time you’re at the shops, add a packet of undies to your basket.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

A small gift – a big impact

“This is a simple way that people can help, but it will genuinely impact lives,” Mike said.

“Next time you’re at the shops, add a packet of undies to your basket. It may not seem like much, but for a woman starting again, it’s everything.”

And why not come on down to Hope House Espresso on 16 October from 6am-9am for our live broadcast handover event!

Why undies?

When women flee unsafe homes, it is usually in a rush – no time to pack belongings. In the first 24 hours, the risk of returning to danger is at its highest.

“Some women go back to the very homes they’ve escaped just to collect clothes. That’s how desperate the need can be,” Mike Foster from Hope House told Drive with Steve D.

“To provide something as small as new underwear means these women don’t have to put themselves in harm’s way. It restores dignity and gives them the courage to take their next steps forward,” Mike said.

“Some women go back… just to collect clothes. That’s how desperate the need can be,” – Mike Foster, Hope House

The café with heart

Supporting this work is Hope House Espresso in Alexandra Headland – a pastel-themed café with a pink coffee machine, a loft meeting space for mothers’ groups, and a warm community vibe. Every cup served helps women in crisis, with 100 per cent of profits supporting Hope House.

“It’s more than a café – it’s a beacon of hope,” Mike said.

About Hope House

Hope House is a registered not-for-profit charity serving women in crisis across the Sunshine Coast. Its services range from emergency accommodation and counselling to job training, budgeting courses, parenting programs, and ongoing support.

“We say if it’s a crisis to them, it’s a crisis to us,” Mike said.

“Overwhelmingly, the women who come to us are facing domestic violence, but we’re committed to looking at the whole situation – not just a band-aid.”

The charity works with more than 40 partner organisations to ensure women don’t have to walk the journey alone.

Hope House works with more than 40 partner organisations to ensure women don’t have to walk the journey alone.

Stories of courage and change

The team at Hope House have seen first-hand the difference community support makes.

Belinda* endured 30 years of domestic violence before relocating to the Coast. After losing 40 kilos due to illness, she had no clothes that fit. When Hope House stepped in, she danced in the store with joy at being able to wear something that fit.

“Never in my life have I felt so seen or so heard,” she later wrote.

Sarah* came to Hope House in distress after police advised her to urgently upgrade her DVO. Too overwhelmed to complete the paperwork, she was supported through the process. When the court accepted her application, she phoned Hope House filled with relief and gratitude.

Even the basics – clothes, food, safety – can become the building blocks of a whole new life.

Cherie* reached out while escaping a violent relationship. With temporary accommodation provided through Hope House and its partners, she found safety for herself and her children. Later accepted into a live-in program, she is now pursuing study and a fresh start.

Cathy* had suffered extreme violence, even being knocked unconscious. Embarrassed and fearful, she confided in Hope House before anyone else. With counselling and support, she gained the confidence to take steps to protect herself and her children.

“These stories remind us that even the basics – clothes, food, safety – can become the building blocks of a whole new life,” Hope House’s Julie Foster said.

“Never in my life have I felt so seen or so heard.”

*Names changed for the sake of privacy.