Warm Blankets For Everyone.

What do you do with old uniforms after delivering a company rebrand? This is a question we had to ask ourselves this year after rebranding to Zeal Futures.

With most of the uniforms still in good condition, we knew it would be irresponsible to throw them away. Instead, we set out to find a local charity or community organisation that could put them to good use. As luck would have it, we came across a not-for-profit organisation called Warm Blankets for Everyone (WBFE), located just 10 minutes away from our Gateshead campus.

Fast forward six months and all superseded uniforms have been donated to WBFE. Half of the clothes are in the process of being cut up and sewn into blankets, while the other half will be donated to people in need in rural communities.

WBFE was established in 2020 by two members of the Quirky Quilters group, which makes 'Wrap with Love' quilts for women's refuges. A call out for more fabric resulted in an avalanche of donations, much of which was not suitable for patchwork. This was the catalyst for repurposing the fabric into blankets for the homeless and other people in need, and ultimately resulted in the birth of WBFE.

WBFE is based out of a premises at the Belmont Baptist Church. Over the years the volunteer numbers have grown from 2 to over 110, who work collaboratively to make blankets using fabric toppers and polar fleece backing, from donations of older wool and knitted blankets, doona covers, rugs and bedspreads.

These blankets have been donated to various organisations, while excess items deemed unsuitable for blankets are donated to people in need in the Northern Territory and Western NSW.

Sue Bardsley, WBFE Chairperson and Co-Founder, said Warm Blankets For Everyone has donated just under 7,800 blankets since inception.

“These blankets have been donated to various organisations, such as those caring for children, women fleeing domestic violence, rehabilitation centres, homeless groups, housing support, and local hospitals to assist people transiting to residential care,” she said.

“In 2021 we received 50 boxes of uniforms from schools, which were either cut up and made into quality blankets or repurposed and sent to people in need. We have continued to resource superseded uniforms from schools, clubs and factories over the years as the quality of fabric in uniforms is highly suitable for blankets.

“As well as providing a ‘blanket service’ to those in need, the volunteers enjoy the wellbeing of knowing they are supporting the community. Over the years, many friendships have been formed which is positive for volunteers in retirement.

“The accidental/incidental ‘birth of WBFE during Covid’ met my love of sewing, whilst also making a positive impact into the community.”

Zeal Futures CEO Sharon Smith thanked the 116 volunteers at WBFE for their service to the community.

“Organisations like Warm Blankets for Everyone are the lifeblood of any local community,” she said.

“We have our own connection to Lake Macquarie through the range of courses delivered at our Gateshead campus, so it’s nice to work with another local organisation dedicated to giving back to the community.

“Synonymous with our organisation’s own recent transformation, I’m honoured to support WBFE as they breathe new life into our old uniforms, ensuring they go to the people who need them the most.”

If you have fabrics that might be suitable for blankets, or would like to make a financial donation, please contact Sue at [email protected] or visit https://www.wbfe.org/.