More than a shoebox: Delivering dignity, hope, and connection with Keith’s Closet

The power of a simple question, and a simple act of kindness

This article includes discussions about mental health, suicide, alcohol and drug use, grief, death, and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. If this conversation raises concerns for you or someone you know, support is available through Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).

As R U OK? Day approaches this September, PKF is proud to be partnering with Keith Donnelly and Keith's Closet to support meaningful conversations around mental health and wellbeing.

In our first August episode of The PKF Podcast, Keith shared his powerful personal story, from navigating significant loss and mental health challenges in his own life, to building a charity that now supports people across New South Wales.

After losing both his mother and brother at a young age, Keith experienced firsthand the challenges that can accompany grief, trauma, and mental ill health. Those experiences ultimately shaped a lifelong passion for supporting others and led him to a career in mental health nursing. Throughout his work, Keith saw people at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives and recognised that recovery is about more than clinical care alone.

Many people entering mental health services arrive with very few personal belongings, and little sense of dignity or identity during an incredibly difficult time. While treatment and professional support are essential, Keith observed that feeling comfortable, confident, and valued can play an important role in a person's wellbeing and recovery.

That belief became the foundation of Keith's Closet

Today, the charity proudly operates across five hospitals in New South Wales, alongside a mobile wardrobe service and community warehouse. Through access to clothing, personal care items, and practical support, Keith's Closet helps people regain confidence, maintain their dignity, and feel connected to their communities during challenging periods of life.

The organisation continues to grow its impact, recently expanding its services to include hairdressing and barber support, with plans to introduce employment-focused workshops aimed at helping people rebuild confidence and reconnect with opportunities.

Turning conversations into meaningful support

The message behind R U OK? Day centres on the importance of checking in with the people around us and creating space for honest conversations. Keith's work builds on that same principle by demonstrating how compassion, connection, and practical support can make a meaningful difference.

As Keith shared during the episode, supporting someone doesn't always require having all the answers. Sometimes it's simply noticing when a colleague, friend, or family member doesn't seem themselves, taking the time to listen, and helping them access the support they need.

This philosophy extends beyond mental health awareness and into the many initiatives Keith's Closet delivers throughout the year, including its annual Shoebox Appeal.

Supporting the Keith's Closet Shoebox Appeal

This year, PKF is proud to support the Keith's Closet Shoebox Appeal, an initiative that brings together communities, workplaces, and individuals to provide practical support for people experiencing hardship.

The appeal involves filling shoeboxes with everyday essentials and thoughtful gifts that will be distributed to people doing it tough during the Christmas period. Typical items include socks, personal care products, toiletries, hair accessories, small treats, gift vouchers, handwritten notes, and other practical necessities.
While the contents of each box may seem simple, the impact can be significant. For someone facing isolation, hardship, or mental health challenges, receiving a carefully packed shoebox is a reminder that they have not been forgotten and that there are people in their community who genuinely care.

Over the coming months, PKF teams will be collecting donations and assembling shoeboxes across our offices in support of the initiative. It's an opportunity for our people to come together, contribute to a worthwhile cause, and help create positive outcomes for those who may need extra support. Keith’s Closet have the goal of delivering 1000 shoeboxes this Christmas, with their even bigger goal to deliver 2600, which accounts for every mental health hospital bed in Newcastle South Wales. 

Looking ahead to R U OK? Day

We're also looking forward to welcoming Keith into our Sydney office for R U OK? Day, where he will share practical insights on mental health, resilience, early intervention, and the importance of creating supportive workplace cultures. 

His story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change often starts with human connection, whether that's checking in on a colleague, offering support during a difficult time, or contributing to initiatives that help people feel seen, valued, and supported.

As we head into September and beyond, we encourage our team, clients, and broader community to get involved. Whether it's starting a conversation, listening without judgement, donating essential items, or helping pack a shoebox, every contribution helps strengthen the connections that support positive mental health outcomes.

If you'd like to support the Keith's Closet Shoebox Appeal, keep an eye out for collection points across PKF offices, and your emails for further instructions. We’re looking forward to helping to make a meaningful difference to the lives of others this Christmas.