St. Vincent de Paul Society rugs up with ABC Radio across Tasmania

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is pleased to be one of the Tasmanian charities to benefit from ABC Radio’s Rug Up Tassie winter appeal.

Launched on June 16 and running until July 26, Rug Up Tassie asks Tasmanians to get out their knitting needles to create and donate 20cm wool squares. The squares will be joined together into blankets by ABC volunteers and donated to the appeal’s partner charities.

Partnering with local branches of charities including the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army, the appeal will rally Tasmanians to knit together to create hundreds of blankets over winter.

St. Vincent de Paul Society’s CEO, Lara Alexander, said that Rug Up Tassie is a brilliant initiative to assist the less fortunate in our communities who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness.

“A warm blanket to guard against the cold Tassie winter will make the world of difference to a homeless person in need; but when that blanket is made by people who care, it represents hope and kindness that is often lacking in the lives of the homeless and those at risk of homelessness,” Mrs Alexander said.

“Every winter, Vinnies distributes hundreds of blankets to homeless people and families. This year, we have even had to distribute blankets to seasonal workers stranded in Tasmania due to the COVID-19 lock-down. The blankets currently being knitted many busy hands across Tasmania for the Rug Up Tassie winter appeal will be put to good use. There is nothing like a homely, warm, blanket to block out the cold and warm the heart.

“Vinnies is so grateful to ABC Radio for coordinating the Rug Up Tassie winter appeal; and to everyone who participates in knitting and donating squares,” Mrs Alexander said.

Local Radio Manager, Samantha Stayner, said that ABC Radio Hobart and ABC Northern Tasmania are excited by launch of Rug Up Tassie, a winter appeal supporting people with limited access to shelter and heating during the cold season.

“Many Tasmanians are looking for ways to help their community and connect with others during what will be a quieter winter for the state,” Ms Stayner said.

“Not everyone is in a position to be able to donate money at this time so Rug Up Tassie is a way for almost anyone to get involved, help their fellow Tasmanians, and be a part of something really special this winter.

“We are aiming to collect over 5,000 squares, which is quite a number, but we have seen the spirit, generosity, and determination of Tasmanians. We believe we can achieve this target and make a difference for people who might not have access to heating and warm shelter during the cold months,” Ms Stayner said.

Tasmanians of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to get involved with the Rug Up Tassie winter appeal. Resources and how-to videos on knitting squares are available on ABC local websites and will be shared across ABC and partner social media sites. There are drop-off points for knitted squares located at the ABC Hobart, 1-7 Liverpool Street, and the ABC Launceston, Ann Street.

For further information please visit: abc.net.au/Hobart and abc.net.au/northtas.