Christmas on the Streets (COTS) is a Melbourne-based, volunteer-run not-for-profit charity dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship with dignity, compassion and connection.
Founded in 2016, COTS began with a simple belief: every person deserves to feel seen, valued and supported. What started as a Christmas Day initiative has grown into a year-round community movement, with regular street runs, major seasonal events and outreach initiatives providing meals, clothing, sleeping bags, essential items and, most importantly, genuine human connection to people doing it tough across Melbourne.
For a decade, COTS has been powered by the generosity of volunteers, businesses, donors and everyday people who believe that meaningful change starts with showing up.
Our mission has always extended beyond what we can hand someone. It is about restoring dignity, creating connection and reminding every person we meet that they matter.