The Rose City’s annual blanket drive, organised by Bendigo Bank’s Kelly Wallace and Waminda Community House manager Leeane Bullard, has seen hundreds of good quality blankets, quilts and doonas donated.
On Monday, June 2, Ms Wallace delivered them to Waminda Community House so they could be distributed to those that need them.
“It's been pretty phenomenal,” she said.
“We've got freshly dry-cleaned blankets, we've got brand-new ones, we've got knitted blankets, we've got baby blankets, we've got knee rugs, we've got the good old trusty ones from years ago with so much warmth, and we’ve got quilts and doonas.
“We had a lady come in with about a dozen new hand-quilted quilts, which she made over the last 12 months.
“It’s just amazing. And we really need to thank the community because they're the ones who made it happen.”
Waminda Community House has the task of distributing the blankets.
Ms Bullard said a certain amount would go to Kate Holmes, to use for the Benalla Homelessness Response Group and its various initiatives, including the soon-to-open Benalla night shelter.
“We’ll take some to Vinnies and Salvos as well,” Ms Bullard said.
“But they’re available to whatever agency, organisation or person needs them.”
Members of the public interested in picking up a blanket are encouraged to visit Waminda Community House between 10am-2pm on a Thursday.
If you cannot make that time, give Waminda Community House a call on 5762 4528 to arrange to pick some up.
Ms Bullard said they were available to any community member, regardless of age or situation.
Whether you're sleeping rough, couch-surfing or needing to use heating sparingly due to cost-of-living pressures, there will be a blanket or two for you and your family.
“There's plenty here,” she said.
“People can come down and make their choice of what they want.”
