Vic Winter Blanket Appeal seeking 15,000 new blankets

Homeless Victorians, families in social distress, refugees and asylum seekers will benefit from the 73rd annual Victorian Winter Blanket Appeal which started on 15 June.

Announcing the target of 15,000 blankets for this year’s Appeal, Shirley Martin, chair of VicRelief + Foodbank, organisers of the Victorian Winter Blanket Appeal, said that an increased demand for blankets from a wide range of disadvantaged groups meant the Appeal had now gone beyond just meeting the needs of those sleeping rough or living
in temporary accommodation.

“In addition to the homeless there are literally thousands of
Victorians – pensioners, single parents, refugee families and other people reliant on Centrelink benefits – living at or below the poverty line who simply cannot afford to adequately heat their homes to keep warm during winter. Those doing it hard in drought affected regions of Victoria are also likely to increase the demand,” Ms Martin said.

“But whether it be the donation of a blanket or just $10 which enables us to purchase a blanket, Victorians can reach out to those in need and help them keep the cold out as winter sets in,” she added.

Ms Martin said that even before the Appeal started there had been some wonderful money donations made by the Red Cross Victoria and the (Melbourne) Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund. The Country Women’s Association which has supported the Appeal almost from its inception have again donated many hand knitted blankets as well as beanies, scarves and pairs of gloves.

The continuing support of ABC Local Radio Victoria over the past four years has had an immeasurable impact on the success of the Appeal. In 2003 the Appeal barely raised 1,500 blankets, but now a target of 15,000 blankets is largely due to their commitment to help promote the Appeal.