A blanket can change lives

CRESWICK Woollen Mills, founded in 1947 by Polish migrant Paul Ryzowy, is one of the many businesses supporting the 3BA Winter Appeal.

Boaz Herszfeld, Executive Director, said when his late grandfather started the business, and throughout its history, the Mill’s donations of blankets during the winter months has always been a big part of its involvement with the community.

“As government funding has changed there is a lot less money going to charities and that means they rely on private individuals and business,” Mr Herszfeld said.

“We have a history of over 70 years donating blankets and our relationship with 3BA goes back a long time.”

Peter Caligari, 3BA’s Winter Appeal Ambassador, places the orders with the mill at the start of the campaign, collects the blankets direct from the warehouse then delivers them to the four agencies involved in the distribution.

This year around 400 check blankets, made from super thick and warm 70 per cent wool, will leave the warehouse bound for the Ballarat community.

“Boaz and I have known each other for many years and he has always been very supportive,” Mr Caligari said.

Mr Herszfeld said it is a great thing for the staff to be part of something that is really small but has such a big impact.

“A lot of elderly and young families live around or below the poverty line in Ballarat and lots of people can’t afford electricity so something as simple as a blanket is really important and useful,” he said.