Australian actor and artist, Sam Corlett, who was born and bred on the Central Coast, teamed-up with jewellery company, Merchants of the Sun, to raise more than $10,000 for national homeless charity, StreetSmart Australia.
The collaboration, inspired by Corlett’s personal connection to homelessness, will help fund essential grassroots community services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Corlett, known for his roles in several Australian films, reached out to StreetSmart expressing his admiration for the incredible work they do which has included funding charities like Coast Shelter – Central Coast Emergency Accommodation Services, We Care Connect and Pacific Link Housing.
Having had a personal experience with a family member who lived on the streets, he said he was motivated to find ways to make a difference and help those experiencing homelessness.
“My uncle lived on the streets for many years before he passed away,” he told Streetsmart.
“His memory continues to inspire me, and I am driven to find ways to help those who are experiencing homelessness, so that they might find the same hope and support that you provide.”
Corlett, who often designs jewellery with the brand Merchants of the Sun, decided to donate more than 50 per cent of the profits from his latest collection to StreetSmart, and similarly, Merchants of the Sun joined in supporting the initiative by donating a further $3,400 to the cause.
The generous donations will go directly towards making a positive impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
“I played a role recently in an indie film I shot here in Australia,” Corlett said.
“(It is about) a young man struggling with addiction and his relationship with family.
“The exploration dropped me into, what felt like, the most sincere connection I’d ever experienced to my late uncle.
“He wasn’t physically in my life very much, but since his passing he has served as somewhat of a guide from the other side.
“I designed these pieces for him, to serve as a reminder of the light that exists within all of us.
“That light that seems to unite us.”
StreetSmart Australia, founded in 2003, is a national charity dedicated to mitigating and preventing homelessness.
They work collaboratively with community partners, including shelters, support services, and food outlets, to raise funds and provide support to those in need.
For more information about the collaboration between Sam Corlett and Merchants of the Sun, or to support StreetSmart Australia,visit https://merchantsofthesun.com.au/blogs/the-journal/sc-iii-x-merchants www.streetsmartaustralia.org