A MOUNTAIN of blankets and flannelette sheets have been donated to ac.care and the Salvation Army as the community answers the call from welfare organisations ahead of winter.
Around 80 blankets totaling 350 square metres have been equally distributed between the two charities to keep those struggling to keep warm over the coming months.
The donation was organised by Kmart Mount Gambier, which along with SAL Real Estate, are among a number South East businesses supporting charity organisations ahead of winter.
Salvation Army Major Pam Marshall said only time would tell how many people needed help this winter.
“Less than a week ago we had a single mum with four kids come into the community centre,” Major Marshall said.
“Her husband had taken off and the kids did not have enough blankets for winter.”
Ms Marshall said the Kmart donation was a “blessing”.
“We cannot believe how generous they are being and how they are reaching out to the community by showing they care,” she said.
“These are the kind of blankets that kids will curl up under and will significantly help them keep warm.”
Kmart Mount Gambier spokesperson Gill Black said the project was formed after staff recognised a growing need in the community for fresh, warm blankets.
“We looked at how we could assist the community this winter and we heard there was a need for blankets for ac.care and the Salvation Army,” Ms Black said.
“We were looking for something that we could help with in regards to the local community and thought the blanket drive was a fantastic idea.”
ac.care marketing and communications manager Jason Wallace thanked Kmart and other South East businesses for their ongoing support of the organisation and its diverse programs across eastern South Australia.
“It is wonderful to see ac.care continue to be supported by the community including businesses and the media as we strive to achieve our mission of assisting regional people,” Mr Wallace said.
“Sadly there are people sleeping rough in Mount Gambier or in need of basic resources to keep warm and being able to hand out blankets to those in need can make a huge difference.”
SAL Real Estate will launch its winter blanket appeal today to continue its support of the Salvation Army.
Appeal coordinator Imogene Ryan said this year’s aim was to collect 150 blankets for the charity.
“All blankets stay locally and we love doing this because we wanted to do something during the winter as well,” Ms Ryan said.
“We thought the blanket appeal would be a great idea to give back to the community in our way.”
Donations are open at SAL Real Estate office as of today with community members encouraged to be involved.
“We love the community support that we have received in previous years and we are hoping to have similar support this year.”
