Warm Blankets For Everyone is a non for profit organisation that began in 2020 from the brilliant idea of two individuals, Sue Bardsley and Tonee Holley Knowles providing blankets for those in need.

 

During the first wave of Covid, Quirky Quilters, who make 'Wrap with Love' quilts, called out for more fabric, due to the increase in need at the women's refuges. Tonee and Sue, members of this group, sent an email out to 800 U3A Eastlake members, calling for donations of fabric.

 

An avalanche resulted!

 

20 big black bags, plus two full rolls of fabric, were sorted 'into relevant piles' suitable for various sewing needs. During the sorting process, it was realized that most of the waste fabric would not be suitable for patchwork. This was the catalyst for making blankets for the homeless or those in need.  During those first few months of Covid, the work was divided with Sue holding workshops in her own home, using long tables and sewing machines and with Tonee being responsible for discovering the programs in the community that needed support. 

 

Warm Blankets For Everyone became incorporated in November 2020 and has a board of 7 members looking after 90 volunteers, distributing about 2,200 blankets to over 35 charities in 2022.