Overwhelming response to blanket bank

A BLANKET bank has been set up to help people keep warm during the cold weather.

Junior Saunders, 27, who lives in Fishponds Road, Eastville, came up with the idea after seeing someone in his area die from hypothermia.

A few months later he spoke to a homeless man outside a food shop who said the best thing people could provide the homeless with was blankets. It gave Mr Saunders the inspiration to create Bristol Blanket Bank, in an attempt to ensure everybody from all walks of life in Bristol is warm.

The idea is not just aimed at the homeless but also the elderly, people on low incomes, parents, children and students, who are at a higher risk of being cold.

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Mr Saunders, a housing officer, said: "With higher rates on heating, and fewer people in jobs to pay for these rates the reality is that more and more people are living in cold, damp environments.

"Therefore I came up with the idea of providing clean blankets, sleeping bags, quilts and sheets to everyone and anyone who is in need.

"I really want people not to feel too proud to come and ask for help – anyone can be affected by the cold.

"When I announced the idea on Facebook the response was overwhelming.

"The hope is that this is just the start of Bristol Blanket Bank with more and more people coming forward to not only donate quilts and blankets but hopefully a premises for the blanket bank to operate in.

"In order for the Bristol Blanket Bank to work it really needs a home.

"I haven't got any funding, all I have is a passion for change and a hope that everyone will stay warm over the winter period.

"I would be really grateful if someone in the Bristol area could give up a space to help my vision to make the city a warmer place."

Mr Saunders has so far been operating the idea out of his home in Fishponds Road but is looking for a more permanent base.

He is looking for a small unit somewhere in the city centre that could be used for the next eight weeks a few evenings a week.

It would serve as a base for people to drop off blankets, as well as somewhere people in need could pick them up.

Anyone who can help or wants to find out more should contact Mr Saunders on 07525 910907 or on juniorsaunders@hotmail.com.