Historical information

Developed in the Research and Development Department of VISY Board by Alex Ong and Richard Pratt, this manufactured version of 'making do' philosophy began with a humanitarian outlook. Less than 100 were made in the pilot program and these were distributed to the homeless through welfare agencies around Melbourne. They were designed to provide some protection from the weather and to be portable and disposable.

Unfortunately, the project was short lived, as some safety issues were unable to be resolved: ie, someone inside the bag would not be able to escape should the bag be set alight. It was found that people sleeping on the streets preferred sheets of cardboard or paper to avoid this possibility. Lois Densham heard a story on the radio about these sleeping bags and contacted VISY to see if she could acquire one for the Running Stitch collection. She approached the Collingwood office and it is now believed to be one of the last remaining items from this program.

Physical description

Recycled paper sleeping bag made from brown paper and sealed at the 'mouth' with paper tape (masking tape). Approximately six feet long, it would accommodate an adult.