Blanket drive delivers warmth across the region

The God Squad will be distributing blankets to Werribee on 17 July. Photo: 96three FM.

A community blanket drive has expanded beyond Geelong for the first time as demand for winter support continues.

Christian radio station 96three’s annual Big Warm Up campaign is now collecting donations in both Grovedale and Werribee, with blankets distributed to people in need throughout the colder months.

Now in its third year, the initiative has partnered with The Outpost in Geelong and Wyndham Park Community Centre in Werribee to ensure donated blankets quickly reach those who need them most.

More than 200 blankets are awaiting distribution, with donations continuing until 12 July.

Stuart Duncan and Priscilla Naidu with the more than 200 blankets that have already been donated. Photo: Nyah Barnes.

96three administration manager Jo Collins said the campaign was about putting the radio station’s values into action.

“We don’t want to just talk the talk – we want to walk the walk,” she said, describing the initiative as a “faith in action” event.

Station manager Stuart Duncan said the campaign also provided a simple way for people to support others in their community.

Donated blankets continue to arrive at 96three’s Grovedale studios as the annual Big Warm Up campaign expands beyond Geelong for the first time, supporting more people during the colder months. Photo: Nyah Barnes.

“It’s really tough times at the moment, and people don’t always know how they can help,” he said.

On 17 July, members of the God Squad motorcycle group will visit the station’s Grovedale studios with around 30 motorcycles to transport donated blankets to Werribee.

Donations can be made at 96three’s Grovedale studios and Wyndham Park Community Centre until 12 July.