What is the Think Outside the Square (TOTS) Blanket Challenge?
Simply put it is a challenge for volunteers from all across Australia to participate in doing some good in the world. We ask participants to knit or crochet 20x20cm squares that we then sew (yes, more volunteers) into blankets for those most in need in our community.
We like to set ourselves lofty goals and 2025 is not different. We hope that you can help us reach our target of 750 blankets by joining our challenge this year.
If you can’t knit or crochet we always need help to sort squares or sew them together.
If you are a school, this is a great social justice activity to do within your classes, retirement villages have been amazing in helping us too. We welcome any age group and love it when we see our men getting involved. Scroll further down the page for previous results across the years and if you have any burning questions head to our FAQ’s page.
If you would like to come along to our FREE Monthly Sewing Bee’s – come and help us sew squares, knit blankets, learn to knit or even crochet – there is always someone here to show you how, enjoy a cuppa, few nibbles and meet other amazing members of our challenge!
We have daytime Sewing Bee’s for those that find it difficult to join us for the evening sessions.
Our sewing Bee dates for 2025 are listed below for you:
Apr16
$0.00
May07
$0.00
May21
$0.00
Jun11
$0.00
Our Heartfelt Hero for 2025 – Embrace Care!Â
We are beyond grateful to announce that Embrace Care is our Heartfelt Hero Sponsor for this year’s TOTS Blanket Challenge!
Not only are they valued residents at The Creative Fringe, but they are also passionate supporters of our community and this incredible initiative. Their generosity has made a huge impact, as they have kindly sponsored the catering for all our Sewing Bees throughout the challenge, ensuring our hardworking volunteers are well-fed and fueled to keep creating warmth for those in need.
About Embrace Care:
Embrace Care is dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and communities with top-quality care tailored to their needs. Their mission is to improve quality of life by ensuring the right care for every individual. They provide compassionate support for people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia, cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with disabilities, including NDIS participants. Their tailored services help individuals and their loved ones maintain independence, well-being, and a fulfilling lifestyle.
If you would like to get in touch with Embrace Care you can contact them on 0472 910 533
We may have missed our mammoth target of trying to hit the 650 blankets for the year – but you couldn’t wipe the smiles from our faces with the huge result! We handed over 547 for the year! As always, handing over these blankets is only part of their journey – its now in the hands of our incredible charity partners who get these blankets into the hands of those who need it most in our community.
To our incredible charity partners for all the work you do:
Link Wentworth Housing, Platform Youth Services, WestCare Penrith, Penrith Community Kitchen, The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter Incorporated, Cancer Wellness Support
Over the years our challenge has certainly grown, not only in blanket numbers, but our supporters and volunteer base has certainly had a growth spurt!
Take a look at these figures from previous years:
April – July 2017 – 49
April – July 2018 – 70
April – July 2019 – 93
April – July 2020 – 200
April – July 2021 – 290
April – July 2022 – 539
April – July 2023 – 547
April- July 2024 – 680
Jun04
$45.00
May21
$45.00
Jul23
$0.00
Jul09
$0.00
