300 Blankets: Press Release

300 Blankets Keep Melbourne’s Homeless Warm This Winter

300 blankets is a volunteer run initiative, striving to raise funds and support for the homeless community of Melbourne through fundraising efforts combining arts, music and social activities. Officially launched on April 15th, the fundraising initiative was founded by two friends, Kim Nguyen and Warren Tu, whom decided that 2012 was the year to make a difference and give back to the community.

The name 300 Blankets was coined following from a discussion with a soup van leader who explained his two vans expect to feed up to 300 homeless individuals on any given evening. After visiting homeless forums and emergency shelters, the team found that shelter and warmth was a major concern in Winter and decided to focus on sourcing and distributing blankets to the community during this time in need. 300 Blankets is proudly endorsed by Hanover Welfare Services, an independent homeless support agency whom provided insight into the homeless situation in Melbourne. Their research found that over 20,000 of Victorians are considered homeless, with one in three of these being children.

“We want to do something to make it a year worth remembering and believe there is nothing more special than to do something that will help others,” co-founder Warren says. Through the tireless efforts from the 300 Blankets team, two fundraising activities have been organised; and together with donations and support from the wider community, this will raise the funds needed to keep the homeless warm this Winter.

The fundraising efforts kick off on Saturday 12th May with a live music night at Fabrique nightclub. The program includes a series of performances by local musicians, as well as an exhibition space with arts and craft for sale, and a sausage sizzle with all monies being raised for 300 Blankets. The entertainment continues through to the following month at Sofia’s Pizza House in Camberwell on Saturday 2nd June where teams will enjoy unlimited pizza and pasta whilst they battle it out with a trivia quiz for a chance to win prizes and participate in silent auctions with products and services donated by generous sponsors.

For more information, visit 300 Blankets