Winter has well and truly settled in across Victoria and right around the country. As the mercury falls and July brings some of the coldest nights of the year, we think about those within our community who face these colder months without the comforts of home that so many of us cherish.
With this in mind, Creswick Woollen Mills is proud to announce the return of our Annual Blanket Drive for July 2026. This heartfelt initiative reflects our continued dedication to supporting Australians doing it tough, offering warmth when it's needed most.
One Blanket Bought, One Donated
With highly valued assistance from one of our long-standing not-for-profit partners, The Ballarat Foundation, the promise at the heart of our blanket drive remains the same this year.
For every blanket you purchase this July — either in-store or online — we will donate a blanket to someone in need. It's a simple act of kindness that creates a ripple effect of care, helping to provide essential warmth to individuals and families across Victoria and beyond.
Winter Appeal: A Show Of Creswick Wool Community Support
The 2026 Blanket Drive began with a very special Winter Appeal event, held at our historic Creswick Woollen Mills site, nestled in the heart of regional Victoria.
The Winter Appeal launch was an event in which we were able to shine a light on the profound impact this campaign has on local communities. We were privileged to be joined by our dedicated community partner, The Ballarat Foundation, as well as local leaders and service organisations who witness firsthand the positive difference these donations make.
The Origins of the Creswick Annual Blanket Drive
The Annual Blanket Drive was established in 1996 by our late founder and Chairman, Paul Ryzowy. His legacy of compassion continues today through the Creswick Wool charity initiatives spearheaded by his grandchildren, Boaz and Sharon Herszfeld.
"Giving back has always been woven into the fabric of our business," says Boaz Herszfeld, Executive Director of Creswick Woollen Mills. "With the incredible support of our customers and partners like the Ballarat Foundation, we aim to make a real difference this winter – blanket by blanket."
A Legacy Of Warmth, Comfort and Dignity
Over the years, this initiative has seen more than $1,000,000 worth of blankets distributed to Australians in need — each one representing far more than just physical warmth. They carry a message of care, offering a sense of dignity and protection to someone experiencing a time of vulnerability.
That million-dollar milestone is a testament to what our community can achieve together, and with your help this July, we'll keep that legacy of warmth growing.
Why The Need For Blanket Donation Programs Australia-Wide Is So Important
The Salvation Army sees firsthand just how hard life can be for people sleeping rough. They report that on the night of the 2021 Census, there were an estimated 122,494 people who were experiencing homelessness — an increase of 5.2% from the previous Census in 2016.
Numerous factors are likely to see that figure continue to rise, including:
- the rising cost of living
- rent increases
- housing shortages
So the importance of an Australian blanket donation drive like the one led by Creswick cannot be overstated.
By providing high-quality blankets to people sleeping rough on our streets, we can help them retain crucial body heat and avoid life-threatening hypothermia, while also offering the dignity and hope that come from a simple act of community care.
The Ballarat Foundation
The Ballarat Foundation has been a major instigator for positive social change in the region for more than 35 years, and is an organisation that we are proud to partner with.
The foundation has delivered grants and programs that break cycles of disadvantage and lift the spirits of those doing it tough. Its flagship Ballarat Winter Appeal campaign calls upon the community to donate blankets, warm clothing and funds. These then get distributed to people in need through frontline agencies like the Salvation Army, Uniting Ballarat and St Vincent de Paul to keep them safe through the harsh Victorian winter.
Beyond crisis relief, The Ballarat Foundation invests in long-term solutions via initiatives like the Housing Support Fund and the Ballarat Innovation Grant program, directing hundreds of thousands of dollars toward projects that tackle the city's hidden housing crisis. Through the Creswick Wool charity partnership, it recently delivered 200 premium blankets to people in need.
At the end of the day, it's proof that when businesses and community organisations join forces, they can quite literally wrap Ballarat in warmth.
How You Can Help Us Donate Blankets Australia-wide
By purchasing any blanket from our collection this July — crafted with the quality care you've come to expect from Creswick using luxurious high-quality wool, soft alpaca and other beautiful natural fibres — you are making a simple yet meaningful contribution to the Creswick Blanket Drive.
And as a small thank you for being part of it, you'll also receive a $20 voucher to use on your next purchase — our way of saying thanks for helping us warm someone else this winter.
You can find our blankets online at creswickwool.com or at any of our retail locations. Through your purchase, you can support people experiencing homelessness Australia-wide and directly extend warmth and well-being to someone in need.
To find your nearest Creswick Woollen Mills store, visit creswickwool.com/pages/store-locator.
Together, we can warm hearts and spread comfort to those who need it most this winter.
