The 2025 Think Outside the Square (TOTS) Blanket Challenge is back for its ninth year and is set to bigger and better than ever before.
Last year the TOTS community made and donated 680 blankets to those most in need in our community.
This included the homeless, domestic violence survivors, youth in crisis and cancer patients. The goal this year is 750 blankets, so they need your help!
The challenge is run out of coworking space The Creative Fringe on York Road between April 1 and July 31 every year.
Volunteers from all across Australia now get involved. Locals come along to the bi-monthly sewing bees where they get to connect and meet other volunteers while others as far as Darwin and Perth post through their squares or finished blankets.
“Thanks to Panthers and their Trees of Hope initiative at Christmas, the TOTS Blanket Challenge was awarded $4000 for our unique community Christmas tree decorating effort. This money will be used to pay for postage of volunteer’s donations from outside of the Penrith area,” said founder Debbie O’Connor.
There are over 200 official members (membership is free) while their Facebook page has over 480 followers all supporting the efforts to keep people warm this winter. Contrary to popular belief, our volunteers range from the age of 10 to the age of 80.
Nicky Alsemgeest, Partnerships and Pathways Coach at St Columba’s Catholic College in Springwood introduced the challenge to the school after personally being a part of it since its inception.
“The school values helping and supporting the local community,” she said.
“This is our third year being involved and our school community are now looking forward to it as an event on the calendar. We love how staff, students as well as their parents and grandparents are participating.”
The charities that they partner with include The Haven, Penrith Community Kitchen, Link Wentworth Housing, Westcare, Platform Youth Services and Cancer Wellness Support. These charities ensure that the blankets get to the people in our community that need them the most.
“The TOTS Challenge is a true testament to the power of community and creativity coming together for a greater purpose,” said Gai Hawthorn from Penrith Community Kitchen.
“Each knitted square represents warmth, kindness, and the generosity of the volunteers, who tirelessly craft these blankets for those in need. As the demand grows each year, so does the dedication of The Creative Fringe and our incredible network of crafty knitters. Their support is absolutely priceless, ensuring that no one is left out in the cold. We are beyond grateful for this unwavering community spirit.”
If you would like to get involved simply knit or crochet 20x20cm squares, go into their coworking space to help sort squares (there are thousands) or grab a bag of squares and join them together. They also accept fully completed blankets.
Head to their website to find out more or to book in for one of their free sewing bees where catering is generously sponsored by Embrace Care.
Visit http://www.totsblanketchallenge.com.au.
Weekender Newsroom
This post has been published by the team in our newsroom.