ABC to help homeless rug up for winter

A new winter appeal to help the homeless is encouraging Tasmanians to get knitting.

TASMANIANS can donate more than money to the homeless this winter, with even one 20cm square of wool making a difference.

ABC Radio Hobart Drive host Lucy Breaden said you don’t have to be a knitting pro to contribute to the station’s new Rug Up Tassie appeal.

Radio presenter Lucy Breaden and Pat Flanagan, Regional President, St Vincent de Paul, getting ready for the Rug Up Tassie winter appeal. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“People have tried to teach me so many times,” she said.

“But I am determined to just get through one 20 by 20cm square to donate.”

The ABC Radio initiative has asked locals to knit and donate as many squares as possible, which will join together to create hundreds of winter blankets for the homeless.

Ms Breaden said it was “incredible” to see donations already flowing in for the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army.

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“Some people already are getting their knitting needles together, sorting through the cupboards and seeing if they have got any old balls of wool,” she said.

St Vincent de Paul Society chief executive Lara Alexander said a warm blanket made “the world of difference” for people in need.

“When that blanket is made by people who care, it represents hope and kindness that is often lacking in the lives of the homeless and those at risk of homelessness,” she said.

Knitting guides and resources are available on ABC websites and social media, with drop-off points at the ABC Hobart, 1-7 Liverpool St, and the ABC Launceston, Ann Street. For more information visit: abc.net.au/hobart