Appeal for blankets kicks off

With winter fast approaching, the In-Town Centre has started its annual blanket appeal.

Picture by David Bailey: InTown Centre staff Leanne Gibbs, left, and Kim Rossiter show their desperate need for blankets at the centre.

Winter is always a tough time for all social services in the South West region and combined with tougher economic times for residents, centre manager Leanne Gibbs said the centre was in desperate need of blankets and doonas for the upcoming colder months.

‘‘Last year the centre gave out 65 blankets and doonas and we are expecting to need even more this winter,’’ Ms Gibbs said.

‘‘If it’s another cold, wet winter we will need people to dig deep and donate blankets so people aren’t left out in the cold.’’

Ms Gibbs said an increasing number of families were feeling the pinch from increasing utilities bills.

‘‘It’s certainly tough times for a lot of South West families and it’s only going to get worse,’’ she said.

The InTown Centre has been looking after the underprivileged and homeless in Bunbury for more than 20 years.

Every weekday, between 10am and 2pm, volunteers and staff at the centre serve meals to the less fortunate in a place of comfort, support and friendship.

To donate to the InTown Centre blanket appeal contact 9791 4214 or drop into the centre on Wittenoom Street.