434 crocheters and knitters from the Penrith and surrounding community have rallied for the tenth year to produce a whopping 1170 blankets in the 4 short months that the TOTS Blanket Challenge runs. Started in 2017 by Debbie O’Connor the simple concept of creating 20x20cm squares has unravel into a movement of warmth, community and kindness.
“I only recently found out about this challenge after seeing it on Chanel 7’s Brightside segment and have absolutely fallen in love with it and the people involved”, commented volunteer Kim. “It has brought so much joy to my life during a very difficult time.”
With the support of volunteers from across Australia, the challenge has well exceeded its goal of donating 1000 blankets to the homeless, domestic violence survivors, youth in crisis and cancer patients in Western Sydney and Blue Mountains.
President of the TOTS Blanket Challenge Ms O’Connor said;
“I’m blown away by how the TOTS community rallies together. We set a new goal each year, and each year our community rises to the challenge. We never get to meet the people who receive the blankets; however, we do get to talk to the volunteers who create or join the blankets. It’s their stories that make me realise that this challenge means just as much to our volunteers as it does to the people receiving the blankets.”
The final tally of blankets was handed over to charity partners who will ensure that the blankets get to those who need it most. These charity partners include Westcare, Penrith Community Kitchen, Platform Youth Services, Link Wentworth Housing, The Haven, Cancer Wellness Support, Mama Lanas, Uniting circle and Paying it Forward. For many recipients, the handmade blankets represent far more than protection from the cold. They provide a sense of support, comfort and hope during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Karen McKeown, OAM, Member for Penrith attended the handover of blankets at The Creative Fringe coworking space where she witnessed the magnitude of the challenge.
“I find it so inspiring! The amount of blankets that the TOTS Blanket Challenge has donated clearly shows the love in every stitch from volunteers and how much is given to those less fortunate in the community.”
The challenge may officially be over for 2026, however the committee encourage knitters and crocheters to continue making blankets so that they can kick off next year’s challenge with a bang. Those who cannot knit or crochet and would like to support the cause can purchase one of the handmade fundraising blankets, with all proceeds helping to provide warmth and care to people doing it tough this winter.
