This winter, no one should feel forgotten.

Every December, The Rob Hill Foundation's Back to Kindness Rucksack Appeal brings people together to hand out rucksacks packed with winter essentials to people sleeping rough in London. Since 2017, more than 150 volunteers have helped us deliver over 1,000 rucksacks and sleeping bags.

This year, we're asking for your help in a new way. Every pound donated to this page goes towards buying rucksacks and filling them with brand-new essentials. Our volunteers will then hand them out on Saturday 12 December 2026.

£50 packs one complete rucksack

Our goal is to raise £1,000, enough for 20 complete rucksacks. Each one contains:

• Hat, gloves, scarf and thermals

• A sleeping bag

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Treats like chocolate and biscuits

• Food vouchers

Join us on the day

Want to do more than donate? Pack and bring your own rucksacks, help us hand out the ones funded by this page, or both. You can also drop off packed rucksacks or donated items at Ministry of Sound or at our Sidcup drop-off: Coleby Centre, 91 Station Road, Sidcup DA15 7DN.

• When: Saturday 12 December 2026, 10am–12pm

• Where: Ministry of Sound nightclub, 103 Gaunt Street, Elephant & Castle, London SE1 6DP. Arrive 9:30am–10am and say you're with the Back to Kindness Rucksack Appeal.

• Who: anyone who wants to help. Come alone or bring a group of up to six. Places are limited to 100 volunteers, so register early.

• How: register at backtokindness.beatmyaddictions.com/en/back-to-kindness-rucksack-appeal-2026

It isn't only about the rucksack. For many people on the streets, the hardest part of winter is feeling invisible. Volunteers take the time to stop, talk and listen, so people know they're remembered and cared for.

Why we do this

Chris Hill founded The Rob Hill Foundation in memory of his twin brother, Rob. In 2016, after seeing the scale of street homelessness in London, Chris started a homeless appeal. A year later, he and Denise Mortimer created the Back to Kindness Rucksack Appeal, with support from Paul Hayes and Ministry of Sound. It has grown every winter since.

Many people sleeping rough are also struggling with addiction, anxiety or trauma. Alongside the appeal, the Foundation runs free addiction support workshops, online every Monday 7–8pm and in person in Sidcup every Tuesday 7–8:30pm. There are no barriers, no criteria and no waiting lists.

Please give, share or join us

• Donate on this page. If you're a UK taxpayer, add Gift Aid and we can claim an extra 25% at no cost to you.

• Share this page with friends, family and colleagues.

• Fundraise by setting up your own page for this campaign and challenging your workplace, school or team to fund a rucksack or ten.

• Volunteer with us on 12 December.

Thank you for helping us bring warmth and kindness to the streets this winter.

A campaign by The Rob Hill Foundation (Registered Charity No. 1181220) in partnership with Ministry of Sound.

Volunteer note: by registering to take part, you accept responsibility for yourself and your group while rucksacks are being sorted and handed out.