‘Overwhelming response’ to blanket drive

Horsham’s Ss Michael and John’s Primary School students have been busy collecting blankets to provide extra warmth for people who are struggling.

Teacher Alison Mckinnon said the school’s Vinnies ‘blanket drive’ had received an overwhelming response.

“Normally at this time of year we have a gifting mass, but because we haven’t been allowed to have crowds at church and things like that, the pastoral team decided they had to look at something else to help the community,” she said.

“The Vinnies blanket drive sounded easy and it was. There’s too many to count – there’s been an amazing response.”

Mrs Mckinnon said the students enjoyed participating in the project.

“They got to design posters and put them around the school, do advertising and make sure it went in the newsletter,” she said.

She said they were also in charge of collecting and storing blankets and other winter items, such as beanies.

Vinnies Horsham’s Pat Strachan and Margaret Howison visited the school to collect the donations and thank staff and students.

Mrs Strachan said the blanket drive was part of the Vinnies Winter Appeal.

“Because of COVID we haven’t had anything, so it’s just a general appeal that’s gone out through the church and there’s been a very good response, financially,” she said.

“The blankets will go to the homeless and people in need. Due to COVID a lot of people have been out of work and are finding it hard to meet their usual obligations of daily life.”

Mrs Howison said the pandemic had increased demand for winter items.

“With COVID, people seem to be moving about a bit more, changing their accommodation and what have you, because accommodation has been very difficult,” she said.

“As they move, they often leave a lot of stuff behind because they can’t take it with them, so they come requesting all sorts of furniture and blankets and linen.”

Vinnies, or St Vincent de Paul Society, is a lay Catholic organisation working towards a ‘more just and compassionate society’.

The organisation provides crisis accommodation and a wide range of support services throughout Australia. The Horsham branch operates an opportunity shop in David Street.

Mrs Strachan said she was pleased to visit the primary school, to explain some of the organisation’s work.

“This is marvellous because we’re going to talk to the children about homelessness,” she said.

“We do have a few homeless people in Horsham, so a blanket or a tent or something like that is very useful.”

People can visit donate.vinnies.org.au/ winter-appeal for more information or to make a donation.