Life FM listeners turn chip packets into lifesaving Buddy Blankets

This winter, Adelaide’s Life FM team and their listeners, in conjunction with the Arndale Salvation Army, have been collecting the humble chip packet for a good cause.

The community-funded radio station has been able to hand over a total of 50 Buddy Blankets – made from empty chip packets – to the Arndale Salvation Army.

Many families, schools, community groups, and churches got involved to assist those living rough this winter. Some groups even took on the challenge of making Buddy Blankets themselves.

Major Gaye and Richard Day were amazed to see the Life FM Roadies arrive with boxes of blankets as well as other essentials donated by the Life FM listeners. Thanks to two generous donors, Sandra Crawford and an anonymous bible study group, The Life FM Roadies also delivered:

• 126 pairs of gloves
• 24 pairs of socks
• 11 scarves
• 79 beanies
• 8 ponchos
• 110 thin thermal blankets
• 5 foam mats

Major Gaye says there’s been an increase in in demand for help over the last couple of months.

The Life FM team witnessed this during the handover, when someone came in looking for a blanket. She had just been released from hospital and her blanket was wet and mouldy and needed to be thrown out.

The team was able to give her a waterproof, warm blanket on the spot.

The blankets, a concept first developed in the UK by Pen Huston and the Crisp Packet Project, work by using the silver lining on the chip packets to reflect body heat. They are fused together in a 2 metre by one metre rectangle and then covered in a plastic sheeting for protection.

Jodie from the Life FM Roadies says “Each Buddy Blanket is made with care and love, containing chip packets donated by people in the community who have come together with a heart to help the homeless. It’s like a patchwork blanket of love from the community to provide warmth not only for their body but for their emotional wellbeing.  Buddy Blankets are a cheap, environmentally friendly, practical and powerful resource for those struggling on the streets.”

Life FM has been broadcasting on the FM band at 107.9 for over 30 years now.

A family-friendly station, Life FM’s focus is on spreading positivity and hope across Adelaide; it’s mission is to ensure uplifting and encouraging content is available for free 24 hours a day.

Life FM is involved in many community projects and events, including Buddy Blankets, Lunchbox Legends and Op Til You Drop, where Adelaide’s op shops are encouraged to come together in one big market, all working together to support each other.

*Image: Life FM website