Soudalay Thammavongsa and Emma Madsen are spreading the warmth this winter by buying thermal socks, beanies and gloves for those who are not fortunate enough to have a warm bed to curl up in on a cold Canberra night.

Ms Thammavongsa said their crowdfunding campaign was inspired by an encounter she had during her lunch break a few weeks back.

"The reality hit hard when I walked past a woman and she had no shoes, no socks and she was shaking and shivering," Ms Thammavongsa said.

"We talked to a few of our friends who work for the Vinnies night patrol vans and they said a lot of homeless people who get their meals at the vans are also asking for spare socks, gloves, beanies and scarves and we were like, 'we should do that'."

Ms Madsen said said they settled on Spare 10 as that's roughly how much one pair of socks, a beanie or a pair of gloves will set you back.

"On the rough figures everything was about $10 so we thought if we can get someone to give us $10 we'd know automatically that's one item," Ms Madsen said.

They had originally hoped to raise $1000 by the end of the month. By the end of the week, they had raised close to $2500.

Now they're hoping to expand into providing special sleeping bags for those sleeping rough.

It's not just the insulated gear giving Canberrans warm feelings either, Ms Masden said.

"It's that feeling of knowing people care and they've gone out of their way to help you. I think this will really touch people in need and let them know that they're being thought of," she said.

Ms Thammavongsa said while most people wouldn't miss $10, it can give something invaluable to someone in need.

"I pay $10 in parking each day. It's a coffee and a muffin but if you donate $10 it can really help keep someone who is doing it tough on the streets stay warmer, which is something most of us take for granted."

To donate to Spare 10, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/spare10