THE 8th annual ‘Think Outside the Square (TOTS) Blanket Challenge’ is thrilled to have been able to donate a total of 680 blankets to go to the homeless, domestic violence survivors, cancer patients and youth in crisis.
The TOTS Blanket Challenge which runs between 1 April and 31 July out of coworking space, The Creative Fringe, continues to grow in popularity. Inspiring community members to knit or crochet 20cm x 20cm squares that are then lovingly assembled into blankets. This year, The Creative Fringe set an unprecedented target of creating 650 blankets to support the local Penrith community during the cold winter months. Thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers who dedicated their skill, time, and love, the final tally exceeded expectations with 680 blankets completed.
Contributions came from all over Australia, including local schools, community groups, and even a primary school in Queensland that taught students to knit so that they could participate in the challenge. The initiative also saw significant involvement from aged care facilities and assisted living, as well as disability and craft groups.
According to Debbie O’Connor, CEO of The Creative Fringe “If we had to ask people to donate $20 so that we could go down to Kmart and buy blankets we would hardly get any takers, yet with this challenge we are invertedly asking people for their time, talent and kindness and they give it willingly. We have been blown away by the support we have received from volunteers from around the country.”
This year The Creative Fringe opened a Facebook group for TOTS volunteers to come together, support and encourage each other to interact. This group has over 300 active members. This became a great source for communication between organisers and volunteers, allowing members to help each other, share stories and to see the weekly blanket count grow.
They also hosted free Community Sewing Bees throughout the challenge, providing a welcoming space for volunteers to come together and contribute to a greater cause. The initiative received generous support from The Bunker – Café Bar Restaurant, who sponsored delicious grazing boxes for the volunteers.
“We are beyond grateful for the dedication and community spirit shown by everyone involved in this year’s TOTS Blanket Challenge,” said Barb Howard, Community Manager at The Creative Fringe. “It’s about more than just providing warmth; it’s about creating a sense of purpose and fostering connections. Our free community sewing bees have become a place for people to come together, share stories, and support each other.”
The final handover event on1 August saw representatives from several charity partners, including Platform Youth Services, Penrith Community Kitchen, WestCare Services, The Haven Women’s Shelter Penrith, Link Wentworth – Together Homes, Mama Lana’s Community Foundation and Cancer Wellness Support. These organisations will ensure that the blankets reach those who need them most.
The next Challenge will begin again on 1 April 2025, and anyone interested in participating are most welcome. Please go to www.thecreativefringe.com.au for more information.
