ON Youth Day this year the Malvern CPF Youth Desk began its blanket drive to give back to those in need this winter.

Now several weeks later and the body is calling on residents, businesses and organisations to support the drive which aims to donate blankets to children’s homes and old age homes in the area.

Thus far they’ve collected more than 55 blankets but the goal is to get as many blankets as possible.

Also read: Knitted blankets warmly welcomed

“One of the operations the main CPF is busy with is Operation Nightwatch. I was having a discussion with the chairperson (Kevin Pillay) and he was talking about how cold the early mornings are. That’s how the blanket drive idea was born.

“We have so many members of the community that go through the winter who don’t have that warmth,” said the CPF Youth Desk chairperson, Deanna Gounden.

“I asked if we could start the blanket drive and give back to those that need it the most and he was on board. As much as the CPF’s focuses is on crime awareness and safety, community is also something we are at the heart of. We felt we could give back in a meaningful way with this drive.”

Her sentiments were echoed by deputy chairperson of the CPF Youth Desk, Xander Naidoo.

Also read: Women share early winter warmth

“Our main targets are the children’s and old age homes. We figured that there is a measurable amount for the number of blankets we hope to collect. We just need to plan strategically. Ideally we would love to donate one blanket for every single person in those homes who needs one. We encourage the community to support the drive if they see us at Malvern Park or Pick n Pay Malvern,” Naidoo said.

The drive ends on Mandela Day.

If you would like to support the blanket drive through drop off or collection, contact Deanna on 071 842 7364.

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