Unprecedented response to Baptist Care SA’s blanket appeal brings relief from icy weather
Blanket donation from Clovercrest Baptist Church.
Winter is a cruel time to be homeless. But hundreds of people who would have been shivering through the nights this winter have received the gift of warm bedding, thanks to an unprecedented response to Baptist Care SA’s blanket and sleeping bag appeal.
Two hundred and fifty blankets have been donated as well as fifty brand new sleeping bags.
“It’s been an amazing response,” says WestCare Centre Manager, Stefano Tocci.
The bedding is being gifted to people as they seek help at the WestCare Centre. Some of the sleeping bags will remain in the Centre for use during Code Blue extreme weather responses, the latest of which took place just a few weeks ago.
During 14 and 15 June, our WestCare Centre remained open for over 48 hours. But as wild weather wreaked havoc across the Adelaide metropolitan area, the atmosphere inside the Centre was one of warmth and “incredible relief”. Sixty-three men and women took refuge in the Centre over the 2 nights. Each received a hot meal, a warm drink and a bed for the night, as well as a blanket to keep when they left.
This parting gift wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible community response. Thank you to the churches, local businesses, members of the general public and Baptist Care SA staff who have given so generously. We’ve also received gifts of toiletries, warm clothing and non-perishable food items. Not only can our clients keep warm, but they know someone is thinking about them.
Many thanks also to the WestCare staff and volunteers who worked so tirelessly during Code Blue.
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10
Total Tools Lonsdale accepting their certificate of appreciation from Stefano Tocci, Inner City Manager at the WestCare Centre.
