Life FM has wrapped up its annual Buddy Blanket initiative, with the community exceeding its goal and handing over 80 handmade blankets, made from discarded chip packets, to the Arndale Salvation Army for people experiencing homelessness.
The Buddy Blankets are light, warm, waterproof and fully sustainable, crafted entirely from recycled chip packets. This year’s goal was 75 blankets, and Life FM’s community surpassed that target, delivering 80 to the Salvation Army.
Alongside the blankets, Life FM’s team of Roadies also handed over an extra 250 foil blankets, 40 pairs of gloves, 27 beanies, 12 pairs of socks, three scarves and three pet mats, all donated by the station’s listeners and supporters.
The project brought together many hands across five main workshops, along with smaller teams working behind the scenes at the Life FM studios over an eight week period. Every blanket was hand made, with each one including encouraging messages and bible verses intended to offer hope and comfort to those doing it tough.
Major Gaye Fay from the Salvation Army said there had been an increase in people seeking assistance due to homelessness, driven by loss of income, leases not being renewed and rising cost of living pressures.
“I think the concept amazes people, particularly when we explain how they are made, and so people are coming in looking for them,” said Major Fay. “I think with the messages of hope on the blankets, they are speaking into people’s lives, and I believe they are making a difference.”
The initiative was sponsored by Second Chances, and stands as an example of a community coming together to support others using something as simple as a chip packet.
Life FM is a not for profit radio station dedicated to providing a message of hope to the community, with a mission to connect, entertain and inspire through its programming, songs and messages of hope.
