Vinnies Launches Blanket and Food Drive in Wagga Wagga

Colder weather is moving into southern NSW and Vinnies is appealing for donations of warm sleeping supplies and food to help people in the Wagga Wagga area facing a tough winter.

“During the COVID-19 crisis, families don’t need the extra stress of being cold at night and not having a decent sleep,” said Renee Cooper, Regional Director South for the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.

“That’s why we’re asking the good folk of Wagga to donate quality blankets, doonas and sleeping bags as well as non-perishable food items. These will make a big difference to the lives of community members suffering financial insecurity and inadequate housing, or facing the fallout from COVID-19,” Ms Cooper added.

Vinnies members and volunteers will ensure the donations are delivered to those needing assistance, with helpers still delivering goods to families and individuals experiencing hardship. Volunteers are equipped with personal protective equipment such as gloves, and only giving their time if they are healthy and in a low-risk category for coronavirus.

Donations to the Vinnies Blanket and Food Drive can be left in the containers by the front door of Micah Hub (53 Gurwood Street, Wagga Wagga) between 9am and 1:30pm, Monday to Friday. Please do not leave donations at Micah Hub outside of these hours.

As part of the ‘Hotels Have Hearts’ initiative, The Palm & Pawn Hotel in Wagga Wagga is also collecting donations of pre-loved clothing, to be distributed via Vinnies to the people we assist or to be sold in our shops when they re-open, generating funds for our community services. Donations of quality clothes can be made at The Palm & Pawn on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 3pm.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones | 0417 446 430