Over the last couple of weeks we received and are now in the process of delivering the bulk of blankets our supporters have generously helped us raise in the first half of 2013. With temperatures dipping low, accompanied by 100kph gusts of winds, the blankets could not have come at a better time.

So far this year, we have donated approximately 1,356 blankets to individuals and key beneficiaries who can help us reach people experiencing homelessness. For this, we have to give a huge warm thanks our beneficiaries who help us achieve our mission in keeping our community warm. 300 Blankets is a small not-for-profit charity with big dreams. Without the warm hands of our friends, we would not be able to warm people from the inner Melbourne CBD to remote parts of country Victoria.

We would like to take this opportunity to give special thanks to St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, Hanover Welfare Services, and our newest partner – Royal District Nursing Service – Homeless Persons’ Program, for helping us distribute our blankets to more people in our community.

But there are still many more people in our community to keep warm.

Heading out with the soup vans recently, one of our volunteers encountered a young couple nestled together on the street. As the volunteer approached the couple to offer warm food and a hot chocolate, it became obvious that they were cold and were in need of a blanket. So the volunteer rushed back to the van to reach for the last blanket packed that night. On the way back to the couple, the volunteer found a man alone and shivering. Staying true to his words, the volunteer approached the first couple with the blanket and told them about the man standing alone and shivering. Without hesitation, the young couple insisted that the blanket be given to the man, they have the warmth of each other.

A heart-warming yet sad situation – this is a familiar dilemma people encounter when volunteering to help people experiencing homelessness. It acts as a constant reminder that we need to continue to give to those less fortunate in our community.

There are many ways you can continue to help 300 Blankets grow: through donations, volunteering, or sponsorship. Reach out to us to find out more. Thank you for supporting 300 Blankets in your own way.

Keep warm.