Generosity and kindness make up a strong part of our society with a great diversity of organisations finding innovative ways to care for people who need some help. Wrap With Love is a non-profit organisation that does exactly that with one blanket at a time.
Established in 1982, Wrap With Love gives directly from the heart by making beautiful handmade wraps crafted and distributed to countries all over the world, including Australia, to help underprivileged people ward off hypothermia.
Out of a pure want to help others, Jane Goodes from Newbery NSW has been a part of Wrap With Love for the past 13 years. "I love volunteer work. Before being so involved with Wrap With Love, I volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 10 years," she said. Ms Goodes was educated as a tactile designer and her creative interest in patterns and craft inspired her to volunteer with Wrap With Love.
Most of the volunteers involved are able to knit or sew. Collectively, 28 assembled squares creates one very warm and protective wrap.
"It is very simple to knit the squares to make the wraps, but it is very inspiring to see the beautiful and artistic wraps we are always receiving and knowing where they are going gives absolute satisfaction to all of us involved," Ms Goodes said.
Once the wraps are completed, they can be delivered through a local drop-off depot, posted directly to Wrap With Love or personally dropped off at the Sydney warehouse location.
Over 40 non-denominational and non-political aid agencies ensure the wraps are distributed to those in greatest need. To date, Wrap With Love has supplied more than 133,000 wraps thanks to over 25,000 kind-hearted volunteers throughout Australia.
Last year in Australia, the Salvation Army supplied 2220 wraps to homeless youth on the street. Aid groups in Sydney also ensure all Sudanese immigrants are given wraps when they first arrive into Australia.
World Vision also plays an important role in Wrap With Love, acting as a distributor for the wraps on a global scale. In 2006 they supplied 8088 wraps internationally, allocating to 22 different counties; 1229 were delivered to Ghana, Africa.
Knitting groups around Australia can be formed from individuals own initiative to contribute to Wrap With Love. There is no cost involved; all that's required is your time and your wish to help those less fortunate. If an individual cannot afford to purchase the wool needed to make the wrap, Wrap With Love helps to supply it.
Without the Australia-wide network of caring volunteers to knit, transport and assemble the wraps, this organisation would be unable to provide the gift of warmth to those in need.
If you would like to get involved or want more information, check out the Wrap With Love website: http://www.artsandcraftsnsw.com.au/wrap
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