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.

 

Melbourne Vixen Ashlee Howard said, “We all know how bitterly cold Melbourne winters can get, so I can only imagine what it must be like without the luxury of a heater and a warm doona. We are asking all Melburnians to help out by either bringing a blanket to the Collingwood game on Saturday, or to a Kmart store.”

 

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 8 selected Kmart Stores around Melbourne for the next two weeks.