The Dawoodi Bohras of Auckland contributed to the cause of providing winter clothes and blankets to children and families in need by arranging a donation drive. They collaborated with NGO Give a Kid a Blanket in order to distribute the collected items in their appropriate locations.
‘Give a Kid a Blanket’ began in 2015 as a community-led initiative lead by artists Bernie Harfleet and Donna Turtle Sarten, and runs across the greater Auckland area. Each Winter ’Give a Kid a Blanket’ gathers blankets and other items of warmth, which are given to children and families in need through social workers, public health nurses, the police, emergency housing, refuge, and other community workers.
“For those who receive the donations, the idea is that they not only feel warmer but importantly, valued by the wider community” said a community volunteer.
Mustafa Gulamali, president of the local community said “we feel privileged to be a part of this humble effort to extend our warm wishes to our local communities.”
Since it’s beginning the project has gone from strength to strength thanks to the ever increasing community of kindness that supports it. Over the last five years, the initiative has managed to give out over 60,000 blankets and over 40,000 other warm items.