A Lake Macquarie duo is ensuring their not-for-profit organisation brings warmth and care to communities in need this winter.

Since its inception in early 2020, Warm Blankets For Everyone (WMFE) has donated more than 4,000 coverings, gained in excess of 70 volunteers and supported at least 30 equally selfless groups, including We Care Connect (Wyong), Connect Global Ltd Drug and Alcohol (Swan Bay), Eastlakes Family Support, Hunter Women’s Centre, Hunter Area Health – Belmont District Hospital, Mercy Services, Mum’s Cottage Family Support, Nova For Women and Children, Our Back Yard – People living in cars, Samaritans Foundation (Newcastle), Allambi Care, Students Accommodation, Survivors R Us, The Glen – Drug and Alcohol (Chittaway Bay), Wandiyali Indigenous Family Support, West Lakes Women and Children Refuge, Who’s – Drug and Alcohol (Cessnock), Zonta Club – Hunter Newcastle and many more.

Now, Belmont’s Sue Bardsley and Tonee Holley Knowles are seeking assistance and donations to continue their important mission.

And, they’re hoping to connect with locals and Hunter-based businesses who’ll sponsor WBFE.

“While we have a donated space to work from, we do need to pay for amenities, machine maintenance, extra materials and general day-to-day items to keep things running smoothly,” Ms Bardsley said.

“Sponsorship will allow us to provide even more blankets to those in need.

“If anyone would like to be involved, or donate, we encourage them to reach out to us through our website.

“Every blanket has a big impact on those on the receiving end.”

Less than three years ago, the two retirees were making quilts for women’s refuges with their local quilting group when they put a call out for fabric donations to 850 members of the Eastlakes U3A, Belmont, where Ms Bardsley is a leader.

After being overwhelmed with contributions, the pair sorted the fabrics.

They soon realised a lot were not suitable for patchwork and decided to repurpose the unused materials to start their charity project, Warm Blankets for Everyone.

Working with local charities and organisations, WBFE supplies warm coverings to those in need, including people experiencing homelessness, low income, the transition out of prison, and drugs and alcohol dependencies.

Blankets are also provided to family, crisis women, aged care and indigenous support centres.

The project initially started in Ms Bardsley’s lounge room, however a local church has given them the use of a former doctors’ surgery for their workshop and storage.

“During COVID-19 restrictions, volunteers were picking up prepared blanket kits from our home, ready to sew in their homes,” she said.

“We now have one of our ‘teams’ using the workshop four days a week.”

In 2021, WBFE was awarded $1,000 by the awesome Lake Mac Foundation to assist with the purchase and repair of sewing machines.

“Since we’re self-funded, Tonee and I were overwhelmed with that announcement,” Ms Bardsley said.

“Further government grant funding, at federal, state and council levels, has helped support the project, too.”

WBFE can also accept tax-deductible donations via its website (www.wbfe.org) for those wanting to support the team’s incredible work.

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