COTS 10-YEAR GALA
Description
10 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS ON THE STREETS!
One night. One decade. Tens of thousands of lives touched.
In 2016, Christmas on the Streets began with a simple idea: to make sure people experiencing homelessness and hardship felt seen, valued and remembered at Christmas.
Ten years later, that idea has become a community.
On Saturday, 5 December 2026, we invite you to join us for a very special evening as we celebrate 10 years of Christmas on the Streets (COTS) - ten years of compassion, connection, generosity and showing up for people when they need it most.
This night is about so much more than looking back.
It is about celebrating every volunteer who gave their time. Every business that backed us. Every donor who believed in what we were doing. Every meal served, sleeping bag handed out, conversation shared and friendship formed on the streets of Melbourne.
And, most importantly, it is about the people who have trusted us to walk alongside them over the past decade.
For ten years, COTS has remained a volunteer-run not-for-profit charity built on the belief that support should extend beyond what we can physically give someone. A meal matters. Warm clothing matters. A sleeping bag matters. But so does sitting beside someone, learning their name, listening to their story and reminding them that they matter too.
That has always been the heart of COTS.
Our 10-Year Gala will bring together the incredible community that has made this journey possible for an unforgettable evening of celebration, reflection and purpose.
Expect a beautiful night filled with food, drinks, entertainment, stories from the past decade, special moments, fundraising, surprises and, most importantly, the people who have helped shape COTS into what it is today.
We’ll celebrate how far we’ve come - from our earliest days to our street runs, Christmas Day BBQs, Winter Events, community initiatives and countless moments of kindness shared across Melbourne.
But we’ll also look forward.
Because ten years was never the finish line.
Funds raised through the evening will help COTS continue providing year-round support to people experiencing homelessness and hardship and allow us to enter our second decade of service with even bigger hopes for what we can achieve together.
Whether you have volunteered beside us, supported us from afar, partnered with COTS, donated, shared our work, or are discovering our community for the first time - you are invited to be part of this milestone.
Come celebrate ten years of memories.
Ten years of community.
Ten years of proving what can happen when people choose to care.
Saturday, 5 December 2026
📍 The Promenade, Docklands
🥂 Doors open 7:00pm
✨ Dress Code: Black-Tie
Here’s to the first ten years - and everything still to come.
FAQs
- What is the COTS 10-Year Gala?
The COTS 10-Year Gala is a very special evening celebrating a decade of Christmas on the Streets. We’ll bring together our volunteers, supporters, partners, friends and wider community to celebrate everything we’ve achieved together since 2016 - while raising funds to help COTS continue its work into the next decade.
- When and where is the Gala?
The Gala will be held on Saturday, 5 December 2026 at The Promenade, Docklands. Doors will open at 7:00pm, with formalities commencing at 7:30pm.
- What does my ticket include?
Your ticket includes entry to the COTS 10-Year Gala, 3 Course Seated Dining, drinks and entertainment, as well as the full evening of celebrations, stories, fundraising and special moments as we celebrate 10 years of COTS.
- What is the dress code?
The dress code is Black Tie. It’s our 10-year celebration, so we’d love everyone to dress up and make a night of it!
- Do I need to have volunteered with COTS to attend?
Not at all! Our Gala is open to everyone. Whether you’ve been part of COTS for all ten years, recently discovered us, or simply want to support an important cause and enjoy a great night, we would love to have you there.
- Where does the money raised from the Gala go?
Funds raised will directly support the ongoing work of Christmas on the Streets, helping us provide meals, clothing, sleeping bags, essential items and year-round outreach to people experiencing homelessness and hardship.
- How can I sponsor or get involved with the COTS 10 Year Gala?
There are several ways to support the COTS 10 Year Gala, including event sponsorship, partnerships, auction prizes, raffle donations and other contributions.
Whether you’re a business, brand or individual looking to support the night, we’d love to hear from you.
To discuss sponsorship opportunities or contributing an auction or raffle prize, please contact Roseanne at admin@christmasonthestreets.com
- Is Christmas on the Streets a registered charity?
Yes. Christmas on the Streets is a registered not-for-profit Australian charity and is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).
- Can I purchase a table for my group or business?
Absolutely! A Table of 10 is available for $2,500 and is perfect for friends, family, colleagues or businesses wanting to celebrate together.
Businesses can also become an official Table Sponsor for $2,800, which includes a reserved table for 10 guests and recognition of your business or organisation at the table.
- Can my business sponsor the Gala?
Yes! Businesses can support the COTS 10-Year Gala through our $2,800 Table Sponsorship or become an Official Event Sponsor for $5,000.
Event Sponsors receive a table for 10 guests plus prominent brand recognition across the Gala, event media wall, selected signage and materials, Humanitix event page and COTS social media, as well as MC acknowledgements and an opportunity for a representative to present on stage.
Event Sponsorships are limited. Please contact the COTS team to discuss availability at admin@christmasonthestreets.com
- Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. Please provide any dietary requirements when purchasing your ticket so we can pass these on to our venue and catering team.
- Will there be fundraising on the night?
Yes! As well as celebrating our first decade, the Gala is an important fundraising event for COTS. There will be opportunities to support our work throughout the evening, including raffles, silent auctions, live auctions, pledges and fundraising activities.
- Can children attend?
Guests aged 12 years and over are welcome to attend the COTS 10-Year Gala.
Any guest under the age of 18 must attend and remain accompanied by their parent or legal guardian throughout the event.
- Are tickets refundable or transferable?
Tickets are non-refundable, however, can be transferred. If you can no longer attend, please contact us at admin@christmasonthestreets.com as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to assist.
- Will photographs and video be taken at the event?
Yes. Photography and videography will take place throughout the evening to capture this special milestone and may be used across COTS’ website, social media and future promotional materials. If you have any concerns, please speak with our team on the night.
- Can I make a donation without attending the Gala?
Absolutely. If you can't join us on the night but would still like to support COTS, you can select the donation option on the ticketing page and contribute an amount of your choice.
Please note that donations do not include admission to the Gala or generate an event ticket.
- How can I get involved with COTS after the Gala?
We would love you to stay involved! COTS operates throughout the year through our street runs, events, fundraising initiatives and volunteer community. Follow our social pages or speak to one of our team members on the night to find out how you can be part of our next decade.
- Who can I contact if I have another question?
Please contact the COTS team at admin@christmasonthestreets.com and we’ll be happy to help.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
