Published on 27th of May, 2024
CMM’s Blanket Bank has launched a new winter appeal called Every Child Warm This Winter. The name of this appeal is a reminder of our mission to continuously work towards improving the health and wellbeing of tamariki and their whānau.
The Blanket Bank is a project of giving and receiving, free from judgement, he ngākau aroha (work of the heart) that distributes free bedding items to individuals and whānau. Costs of heating and bedding are high, and many homes are still insufficiently insulated.
“We are committed to supporting anyone who can benefit from receiving a package from the Blanket Bank,” says CMM Community Development Practice Lead Fionna Chapman. “The only criteria for accessing the service is a need for warm bedding. And this need is growing: the Blanket Bank has experienced a 71% increase in requests between January and April compared to the same period last year.”
The Blanket Bank has partnered with Christchurch City Libraries, St Albans Community Centre, Halswell Community Hub, Durham Street Methodist Church, and Christchurch West Methodist Church to expand the number of drop-off sites for the appeal.
“We’re excited to have 12 collection sites across the city,” says Fionna. “Our partners have asked that all items are placed in the Every Child Warm This Winter collection bins and not at the entrance to their premises.”
“Thank you to all those who continue to support the Blanket Bank with such generous donations – we’re incredibly grateful!”
For more information about this appeal and to find a drop-off site in your area, visit www.blanketbank.nz
