Project Linus press release
Project Linus helps sick kids in the A.C.T.
A security blanket can be one of the most important things in a child’s life, especially if that child is ill or traumatised in some way, says Rebecca Buist.
“As a mother of two young children, both of whom have “security blankets”, a registered nurse, and having lost a favourite cousin to cancer, I was truly inspired when a Canadian friend told me about wonderful work of Project Linus”, explains Buist.
Named after Linus, the blanket-toting character from the “Peanuts”comic strip, Project Linus, a 100% volunteer organisation, provides comfort to seriously ill and traumatised children through gifts of homemade security blankets.
When I first heard about Project Linus I instantly thought this could really lift the spirits of very sick kids in Canberra , explains Buist. “ So with the wonderful support and guidance of Project Linus Canada ’s National President, Rona Kleiman, I have brought this idea to The Nations Capital”.
Project Linus was started in Colorado in 1995 by Karen Loucks, after she learnt how a security blanket had helped a young girl through intensive chemotherapy treatments. Having just learnt to crochet, she decided to put her new skill to good use. Since then, Project Linus volunteers have donated well over 1 million homemade blankets worldwide and have chapters throughout Canada, the USA, Japan, Mexico and now Australia.
Project Linus, Canberra Chapter, hopes to be able to deliver blankets to children in hospitals and shelters right across the A.C.T. on an ongoing basis. So far blankets have been delivered to delighted children and their families at The Canberra Hospital, Calvary Hospital, The Cancer Council and ACT Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group.
“Apparently the blankets have made a huge impact. They have been given to patients in the ICU, been taken in the back of helicopters by children airlifted to Sydney and given to long term patients to make their wheelchairs just that little bit brighter and more comfortable”, says Rebecca
Project Linus, Canberra will gratefully accept donations of quilts, fleece blankets, crocheted and knitted afghans and receiving blankets in “child-friendly colours”.
Completed Blankets can be left at one of four drop off locations across the city. These are City Market Chemist, Civic; Hobbysew, Belconnen; Rosemont The Patchwork Shop, Tuggeranong and The Shearing Shed, Manuka. “Alternatively, you can contact me and I’ll arrange to collect your blanket” adds Rebecca
“Basically, any style of blanket is welcome so long as it is new, handmade and washable”, states Buist. As children come in all sizes we need blankets in a wide variety of sizes from approx. 90cm X 90cm for babies through to 115cm X 180cm for teens. The most popular size for children is approximately 100cm x 150cm”.
For safety reasons of little fingers, and medical equipment, we ask that a tight pattern, rather than lacy, is used for knitted and crocheted blankets with no embellishments such as buttons, which can come off and be swallowed, adds Buist.
Once collected by Project Linus each blanket will have a special label sewn on which says, ”made with tender loving care for Project Linus”, Buist said. It is very personalised and so much nicer than just going out and purchasing any kind of blanket”.
For more information on Project Linus and how to volunteer in this program please contact Rebecca Buist at projectlinus@actewagl.net.au.
Rebecca is also welcoming enquires from those people who don’t knit or sew but would like to donate resources for use by other volunteers, or businesses and organisations interested in volunteering as “drop off points” for blankets.