Winter has arrived and MCCI Refugee Support has started to distribute handmade blankets and blankets purchased with $2000 of generous donations to support 68 newly arrived community members.

The cold season brings new and unfamiliar challenges. People from refugee backgrounds have fled their homes and, along with it, familiarity and comfort to seek safety and a new life in Australia, only to face the winter chill without enough winter supplies to keep warm.

We have already distributed 48 blankets so far and will continue to do so until none of our community members are cold this winter.

Many thanks to knitters like Lyn – whose handmade blanket is pictured above – and everyone who donated to the appeal for their support and generosity. 

"If that was me, I can’t image what they go through," said Lyn.

"I just feel I want to do something to help them. I hope they enjoy it... I sew a little smiley face in the corner of the blanket and the other thing I sometimes sew on is a label that says, 'handmade with love'.”

Lyn has supported community members in the Illawarra from a refugee background for almost 15 years by donating handmade blankets.

MCCI Refugee Support helps people from a refugee background to build a sense of belonging and navigate the practical and personal challenges of starting a new life in Australia.

You can still donate to the winter appeal here: www.givenow.com.au/appeal