Employee Jo Williams said possibly the most important activity running throughout the week was the blanket drive.

“Since April we’ve handed out 40 to 50 blankets and our supply has diminished so we’ve asked a couple of businesses to be a drop off spot and are now looking to the community for support,” she said.

Ms Williams said as the months were getting cooler, it became apparent there was a big need for blankets in Moree.

“These people have nothing so they will take anything they’re given and really appreciate it. We’d prefer if there were no holes in the blankets and if they were given to us washed but they don’t have to be a specific type of blanket; they could even be flannelette sheets,” she said.

Residents who have old, unused blankets of any kind can drop them to Woolworths, Best Employment, the library, Moree Family Support, Moree Family Referral Centre, Richmond PRA and Byamee.

The major fundraising event for the week though is the Hike for Homeless to take part this Sunday.

The hike will leave the local markets travelling to Narrabri, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes and Inverell before finishing back in Moree. 

The event is aimed at creating awareness for the issues surrounding homelessness and all money raised during the event will go back into helping locals in need.

Another activity, to be held on the same day is a chalk walk during the markets.

“Those wishing to participate in the hike but can’t, can pay a gold coin donation and place their footprint on the path at Jellicoe Park. The funds for that will go back to the Hike for Homeless, which goes towards helping locals in need,” Ms Williams said.

Last week, Richmond PRA sold donuts for a gold coin donation to also raise money for the cause.

“They raised about $500 which was really well-received and a wonderful outcome,” she said.

For more information about the Hike for Homeless or Homelessness Week contact Byamee Proclaimed Place on 6752 1550.