Much like other charities, 300 Blankets relies on donations to support its work in the community. Donations from the public allow us to continue bringing the warmth of friendship to those sleeping rough, or who are at risk of or may already be experiencing homelessness. As a registered charity, all donations to 300 Blankets are tax deductible and there is a direct debit option available.
Donations received by 300 Blankets are directed towards our four programs: Outreach, Soul Kitchen, Iceolation and Blanket Distribution.
The 300 Blankets Outreach Program sees volunteers take to the streets of the Melbourne CBD, carrying a variety of emergency material aid such as blankets, toiletries and basic food. These items make an extraordinary impact on the lives of people sleeping rough. Our Outreach Program is more than distributing emergency materials though, and our volunteers develop genuine connections with the people we meet. The 300 Blankets Outreach Program heads out into the Melbourne CBD at least twice a week with an Outreach leader and a number of community volunteers. Each Outreach Program night costs approximately $150 and this covers the cost of buying materials distributed throughout the night.
Soul Kitchen Braybrook is one of the newer 300 Blankets programs. It was first started in 2018 and has grown to be an important pillar of support for the Braybrook and wider Maribyrnong community. Soul Kitchen operates by providing home cooked and delicious meals to those in need among the local community. A team of volunteers take to the kitchen of Braybrook Community Hub to prepare and serve up a hearty dinner. These nights are not only about providing food but are also an opportunity for members of the community to connect with others in a warm and friendly environment. Material aid such as blankets, clothing and toiletries is also available to those in need. Each Soul Kitchen evening costs about $250 to run and this includes the purchase of fresh produce and ingredients.
The Iceolation Program was launched in 2020 and is a collaborative initiative from 300 Blankets and Melbourne Ice Foundation. It was introduced in response to the COVID-19 Melbourne lockdowns. As part of the program, food parcels are supplied to singles, couples and families across Melbourne’s Western, Northern and Eastern suburbs. Packs are distributed on Saturday mornings, with about 60 packs going out every week. Food packs are purchased for $40 every fortnight, and the pack distribution is done by volunteers in their own vehicles.
The last program operated by 300 Blankets is also the longest running; Blanket Distribution. Every year, 300 Blankets make a bulk purchase of several thousand blankets. These blankets are then distributed via our programs and through several other charities and not-for-profit organisations that operate in homelessness space within Victoria including St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, Launch Housing and Bolton Clarke – Homeless Persons Program. Each blanket costs $20.
All donations are valued and make a difference, and 300 Blankets is incredibly grateful for your ongoing financial support. Your end-of-financial-year donations can be made directly at our Give Now portal, or you can find out more about the donation process – including business sponsorship opportunities – by emailing us at contact@300blankets.org.au.
