Guardian warms Vinnies

THOUSANDS of crafty Australians are busy knitting for good as part of the Guardian Angels program, a Guardian Pharmacy social repsonsibility project, now in its 19th year.

Over the span of its existence the Guardian Angels Knitting Program has given the gift of warmth to over two million people in need, and has this year teamed up with the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) to give back to the tens of thousands of Australians facing hardship this winter.

From 17 Jul to 31 Aug this year, Guardian Pharmacies across the country will distribute knitted garments including beanies, scarves, jumpers and gloves to Vinnies shops and services in a bid to provide each of the 105,000 homeless Australians with warm winter wear.

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria chief executive officer Sue Cattermole said they were grateful for the donations, which would help give dignity and comfort to Australians in need.

“Homelessness doesn’t discriminate – it can affect people of all ages and backgrounds – and for the 105,000 people experiencing homelessness each night, winter is a particularly hard time,” Ms Cattermole said. Gary Dunne, chief operating officer of Guardian’s parent company, Sigma Healthcare, said, “We are consistently amazed by the endless compassion of our Guardian Angels, and are thrilled to have the St Vincent de Paul Society come on board as our official charity partner this year.”

Pictured are knitting angels from Vines Road Guardian (top) and Busiko’s Guardian above cente)