‘Disappointing’: Event numbers drop as need for help intensifies
The organiser of a Toowoomba charity event has voiced his disappointment after attendance levels dropped by 40 per cent at the weekend. It comes after the demand for homelessness support surges this winter. Full story here.
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When Narelle Lyons was sitting around a campfire this time last year, she never thought the handmade poncho she was wearing at the time would make such a significant difference.
For almost seven years, the Ipswich woman has made bags, tool rolls and motorcycle luggage out of Australian-made canvas, to sell through her business Naz Bags.
But with the housing crisis and cost of living pressures on the rise, Ms Lyons began to think about how her handmade products could assist people experiencing homelessness.
“We went on a camping trip and I knew it was going to be cold so I decided to make ponchos and thought ‘these would be perfect for the homeless,’” she said.
“Seeing people sleeping on the streets makes me feel really sad and I can imagine how easily that can happen, so I hope this makes them a little warmer during winter.”
Using a recycled wool blend fabric, Ms Lyons sources a rectangular blanket, cuts a hole and sews a large cowl neck piece into it, allowing the person to also wear it as a hoodie.
It’s a technique Ms Lyons said she learned from her childhood when she was a girl’s guide.
Ms Lyons donated 22 ponchos to the Huggie Bear Memorial Toowoomba Blanket Run, hosted by the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the weekend.
Running for two decades, the Toowoomba event was taken over by the motorcycle club 11 years ago.
The purpose of the event is to raise blanket and winter bedding donations for the St Vincent de Paul’s Society to assist people experiencing homelessness across the region.
Event organiser Mark Andrews said despite the rise in demand for donations, event attendance this year was sadly low.
“It was a little disappointing to be honest,” he said.
“I have no idea why because the weather was great, but we were down in numbers by about 40 per cent.
“This is the first year Vinnies has asked us for tents and swags so it seems like (the housing crisis) is just getting worse and worse and they’re just desperate for donations.”
Despite lower numbers than usual, Mr Andrews thanked members of the community who attended the event or made a donation.
He estimated 60 bikes and 70 people were involved.
Event photo gallery
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