Sign In / Register
Winter will see many families forced to keep as warm as possible in cars, garages or cold, damp homes.
However, an initiative started by two artists from Swanson in 2015 is wrapping warm arms around those families – and they are seeking help from the Hibiscus Coast community.
Give a Kid a Blanket collects donations of warm bedding in Auckland and Tauranga and delivers them to families in need. It began as an extension of the political and social-focused art of Bernie Harfleet and Donna Turtle Sarten – and it is growing. The first year, 1273 blankets were collected at 26 drop off points – last year there were 48 drop off points and 2789 blankets were given out. This year’s collection runs from June 1–July 23 and there are 55 drop off points, including one at Susann Law’s home in Matakatia.
Susann, an English teacher and mother of two young children, says she is providing a drop off point because she saw the project as a way for people to make a real difference. “It feels good to know there are things we can do to help, even if they are small,” Susann says. “Children in these sad situations are the innocent victims of circumstances beyond their control and as teachers we sometimes see the effects of that. We can’t solve the problem, but we can help warm up the kids.”
The blankets are distributed to children and their families through public health nurses or social and family support workers.
Bernie calls it “a little act of kindness that is collectively powerful”. He says of the 1273 blankets donated in 2015, just five recipients had single beds to put them on. “Most were bed sharing, or sleeping in cars or garages, or on floors,” Bernie says.
So far three people on the Coast have donated blankets after seeing Susann’s Facebook post last month, and she also purchased some herself from local Op Shops.
What is needed are blankets or quilts/duvets in good, clean condition, also sleeping bags and new pillows. Towels and sleep suits or hats for babies are also welcome.
To donate, text Susann on 021 066 2800 or contact the Hibiscus Matters office if Orewa is more convenient for drop off.
