Eco-friendly blankets to help people sleeping rough stay warm this winter

The waterproof blankets are each made from 54 recycled bottles    

A family-owned Brisbane business is donating 1,500 lightweight blankets made of recycled plastic bottles to people sleeping rough, as part of a new partnership with Vinnies.

Sustainable outdoor brand Nakie will deliver the blankets to St Vincent de Paul Society locations across eight Australian states and territories this month in accordance with local needs. 

Nakie’s waterproof blankets are each made from 54 recycled bottles, meaning 81,000 bottles will be prevented from entering Australian waterways due to the donation. 

Tegan Gilroy, Nakie’s co-founder, said the decision to collaborate with Vinnies – which comes amid Homelessness Week (2 to 7 August) – was about furthering the company’s impact in Australian communities.  

“For us, a partnership with Vinnies just made sense; our values aligned so well, and we love that we can directly engage in the act of giving,” Gilroy said.

“We’re committed to an ongoing strategic partnership with Vinnies, with plans to donate 1,500 blankets annually.”

St Vincent de Paul Society national resident Claire Victory thanked Nakie for playing a role helping people who are homeless.  

She said Vinnies were always keen for donations like this because blankets were vital to keeping people warm. 

“For someone who is experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, particularly for rough sleepers, a blanket can be a vital lifeline, particularly during these winter months,” Victory said.

Nakie has also announced that for every blanket purchased this month, it will donate another to someone experiencing homelessness.

You can see the collection of blankets here.