- There will be blanket "drop-off" points outside Gates 1, 3, 6 on Saturday night.
The Collingwood Football Club is delighted to announce that the club’s annual ‘Jason Bring A Blanket Day Appeal’ will be held at this Saturday night’s AFL clash between Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions at the MCG.
Each year fans attending the match are asked to donate blankets which are distributed by the Salvation Army and this year’s appeal has received unprecedented support from Jason Family Bedding and Kmart Stores.
Collingwood footballer Harry O’Brien is an ambassador for the appeal and said, “It is terrible to think that so many people are forced to sleep outside this winter, and it is even worse to know that many will do so without blankets or warm bedding. If you are able to support the appeal by bringing a blanket to the match on Saturday night or by dropping off blankets at selected Kmart stores they will be distributed to people in great need.”
The demand for warm bedding in winter grows each year and the Salvation Army’s Commanding Officer for Melbourne, Major Brendan Nottle said, “Unfortunately the number of people who are sleeping rough around Melbourne and who are homeless in increasing, and we are in desperate need of at least 150 blankets per week just to get us through the winter months. We are extremely grateful to Jason Family Bedding for their wonderful support, and to Kmart who have joined the appeal this year.”
Jason Family Bedding will provide the Salvation Army with 150 Jason quilts each week for three months and in partnership with Kmart Stores are promoting a blanket appeal in eight selected Kmart Stores around Melbourne for the next two weeks.
Collingwood players and players from the Melbourne Vixens assist the Salvation Army in distributing blankets.
Details
- Fans attending the Collingwood v Brisbane Lions match at the MCG on Saturday 1 August 2009 are asked to donate blankets to the Salvation Army before or after the match at drop off points outside the MCG. Last year over 8000 blankets were collected.
- Jason Family Bedding is providing 150 Jason Quilts each week of the winter months and players from Collingwood and the Melbourne Vixens netballers are assisting the Salvation Army in delivering the blankets around Melbourne.
- Kmart is also supporting the appeal by offering customers the opportunity to donate blankets at selected stores around Melbourne over a two week period from the 27 July to 9 August 2009. Donations can be made at collection bins located at Kmart stores at Greensborough, Chirnside Park, Fountain Gate, Burwood, Werribee, Eastland, Campbellfield and Preston.
