Each year, Thinktank employees are invited to nominate a charity close to their hearts. For every loan we settle, $100 is donated to those chosen organisations to ensure our team can give back in ways that carry personal meaning and lasting impact. 

For Toni Wilson, that cause is Dandelion Support Network. 

Toni Wilson shares how she first became connected with Dandelion Support Network, why the organisation’s work resonates so deeply with her, and the small but meaningful ways she continues to contribute. From handcrafted crochet blankets to community generosity, her story highlights how collective support can make a lasting difference for families doing it tough.

What charity have you nominated and what do they do?

The charity accepts donations of quality pre-loved and new nursery furniture, baby essentials, and children’s items, providing vital support to families in need.

What first drew you to the cause?

I first came across the charity through a local Facebook community page where someone was seeking donations. Being local to where I live, the cause immediately resonated with me. While I’m unable to commit to volunteering on a regular weekly basis, I’m still able to contribute by crocheting and donating baby blankets for families in need.

What impact does this charity have on the community at large or on individuals affected?

Most of the material goods they provide aren’t luxury items. They are items critical to the health and well-being of babies and children.

The work undertaken by Dandelion helps fill a critical gap within the community services sector and is built around a partnership model, allowing the organisation to support a broad range of community groups rather than focusing on just one area.

The families they assist may be experiencing housing stress, escaping domestic violence, living with mental health challenges, or rebuilding their lives as refugees. At the heart of every situation are babies and children who need essential care and support

Have you been working with this charity in any other way?

I’ve supported Dandelion for many years through donations of crocheted baby blankets. Last year, I crocheted and donated 10 pram and cot-sized blankets, and this year I’m aiming to complete 12. Each blanket is lovingly made using donated yarn, making it a true community contribution from start to finish.

How can others get involved to make a difference?

Everyone can make a difference in their own way, no matter how small the contribution may seem. In my local community, people often donate spare yarn so I can continue crocheting blankets for babies and children in need. It’s a great example of how small acts of generosity can come together to create something truly meaningful.

Whether it’s donating goods, volunteering time, supporting through fundraising, or simply contributing materials, every effort helps organisations like Dandelion Support Network Inc continue supporting vulnerable families in the community.

To get involved you can find out more here.