FIFTEEN refugee migrant families across the South East received blankets and warm woollen clothing last month following a winter appeal.
Australian Red Cross Limestone Coast and the Treehouse Play Cafe teamed up to promote the winter blanket appeal, with a donations box prominently displayed at the indoor playground.
Red Cross operations officer Michelle Pietersma said she was inspired to take action after she visited a number of “struggling” Congolese families and recognised a need for warm winter clothing and bedding.
“The need was brought to my attention when I visited one family who only had a sheet on each of their children’s beds,” Ms Pietersma said.
“The whole family was sick with the flu.
“On shift at the South Australian Ambulance Service team members were handing me money to go and purchase blankets to help these families out.
“I asked for people to bring in infant clothing, bassinets and prams and the team members responded.”
Together with Treehouse Play Cafe owner Stewart Owen and Red Cross regional manager David Walshaw a blanket appeal was launched in August.
“We placed a huge red box at the cafe for the month of August and donations kept coming in,” Ms Pietersma said.
“The community donated 153 blankets and so many of the blankets we received were brand new and still in packaging.
“All blankets were distributed to those most vulnerable in our community.
“15 families received blankets and warm clothing and the Australian Red Cross would like to take the opportunity to thank the Limestone Coast community for its generosity.”
