Think outside the square blanket challenge

TOTS-Blanketing-Challenge-Sewing-Bee-volunteers

Years

Volunteers

Blankets

2024 Challenge: 1 April – 31 July

What is the Think Outside the Square (TOTS) Blanket Challenge?

Simply put it is a challenge for volunteers from 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 have set a lofty goal of donating 650 blankets which is insane as we have never come close to even donating 600 blankets. We hope that you can help us reach our target.

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 our FAQ’s.

Join the Challenge

Join our community at our Free Sewing Bees

Now running Daytime and Evening sessions.

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 now have added DAYTIME Sewing Bee’s for those that find it difficult to join us for the evening sessions.

You can book your free spot on the dates below:

Wednesday 17th April – DAYTIME Sewing Bee

Wednesday 1st May 2024 EVENING Sewing Bee

Wednesday 22nd May 2024 – DAYTIME Sewing Bee

Wednesday 5th June 2024 EVENING Sewing Bee

Wednesday 19th June 2024 – DAYTIME Sewing Bee

Wednesday 3rd July – Final EVENING 2024 Sewing Bee

Wednesday 24th July – Final DAYTIME sewing Bee

We are happy to take squares and your completed blankets throughout the year but our TOTS Blanket challenge officially runs from April- July each year.

Lets aim for 650 blankets in 2024!

If you have any other queries you can contact us on 02 47324766 or email [email protected]

JOIN THE CHALLENGE

CHALLENGE BLOG STORIES

TOTS Blanket Challenge results from 1st 2023 Handover

An incredible 329 blankets were handed over to our charity partners on Friday 2nd June. Most of these will have now found their way into the hands of those who need them most in our community, we couldn’t help but be moved beyond words.

TOTS community.. our journey is far from over. To achieve our ambitious goal of 650 blankets, we still need 321 more. We call upon each and every one of you to keep knitting, crocheting, and sewing, as we continue spreading warmth and love to those who need it most.

Thank you, TOTS community, for your unwavering dedication and endless compassion, it just goes to show that together, we can create a world where everyone feels the warmth of love and kindness.

To our incredible charity partners Link Wentworth Housing Platform Youth Services WestCare Penrith Penrith Community Kitchen The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter Incorporated

TOTS Blanket Challenge results from FINAL 2023 Handover

We may have missed our mammoth target of trying to hit the 650 blankets for the year – but you couldnt 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.

Thank you, TOTS community, you always seem to step up the calls we put out on social media – calling for community to get invloved, knit, crochet, sew or even help us sort the squares – your unwavering support is just priceless.. and you certainly did. The squares and fully completed blankets were pouring in the the door and via the mail ( sorry Aust Post ) in our final days of the challenge for 2023

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

TOTS Blanket Challenge Results from Previous Years:

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