Bendigo Bank Benalla senior customer service manager Kelly Cooney said the bank had been accepting blankets in branch since Monday, April 19.
“We have spoken to Sherileigh Dowell at Waminda Community House and she has confirmed that unfortunately we do have some homelessness in Benalla,” Ms Cooney said.
“She also said we have a number of local people who simply do not have access to warm blankets - or any way of getting them.
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“She couldn’t believe it when we put this proposal forward to her now.
“They had just had a big meeting with other community houses where they had discussed a blanket drive.
“She said there were a lot of people in Benalla who could really use a warm blanket, and Waminda would be very keen to help get them to those who need them most.”
Bendigo Bank branch manager Jenny Lee said people could feel miserable enough in winter, but if you were warm it could help negate some of that.
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“Some people aren’t financially stable thanks to the pandemic and some families don’t have enough blankets,” Ms Lee said.
“The kind of things we take for granted, they actually don’t have.
“In country towns, like Benalla, we’ve seen a lot of people struggling to survive on JobKeeper or JobSeeker.
“So even if we can help a few of those people out, as well as those experiencing homelessness, it will be worth the effort.”
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Ms Cooney said the blankets did not have to be brand new.
“So long as they are laundered and in good condition they will be gladly accepted,” she said.
“We will go through them all, and if there are one or two that are too shabby those will go to one of the local vets.
“People might have a few blankets in the cupboard, or might spot some in on op-shop they could buy to donate.
“Even a sleeping bag, or anything like that will be accepted.
“We have a big box at the front of the bank where people can drop a blanket off.”
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There are two drop off points in Benalla.
You can drop blankets into Bendigo Bank on Bridge St between 9.30 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
You can also drop them at Green N Grow nursery, 139 Grant Dve, Benalla, between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
● If you are in need, or know someone who could benefit from the donation of a warm blanket you can phone Sherileigh at Waminda Community House on 5762 4528.
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