Blankets, belonging and the power of small actions
Recently, King’s staff decided it was time to declutter some long-forgotten storage spaces on site.
What they uncovered was unexpected: years’ worth of winter blankets, carefully stored but no longer needed.
The discovery quickly became the Head Porter’s newest passion project, one that did not go unnoticed by first-year resident student, Arabella Gunn, who is studying a Bachelor of Social Work. When Arabella found herself unable to access the laundry thanks to the seemingly endless cycle of blanket washing, curiosity (and necessity) led her to the towering stacks of freshly folded fleece. From that inconvenience came inspiration.
“Sometimes inspiration strikes in the most unexpected ways,” Arabella said. “In this case, it struck because I couldn’t do my laundry.”
What began as a simple clean-out soon evolved into a community outreach initiative. Over the following weeks, Arabella contacted shelters and support services across greater Brisbane, navigating frequent rejections to identify where the need was greatest. In the evenings, she could often be found driving across the city, delivering kilos of blankets, brand-new pillowcases and well-loved doonas to those who needed them most.
The donations extended beyond human shelters to animal rescue organisations as well. One such visit took Arabella, alongside fellow resident student Rogan Keel, to a possum rescue in Woolloongabba, where they witnessed firsthand the effects of traffic accidents and severe skin conditions on injured native wildlife.
“Knowing that something as simple as a blanket could bring warmth and comfort to both people and animals really touched me,” Arabella reflected. “It reminded me why I chose this degree, to help others feel seen, cared for and supported in whatever way I can.”
Working together, Head Porter Emma Trumpold and Arabella also donated 30 full bags of bedding to the Salvation Army. What began as an effort to reduce waste became, in Emma’s words, “an opportunity to help those less fortunate experience the generosity of the King’s community.”
“Instead of seeing waste, we saw warmth,” Arabella said. She felt grateful to help ensure that perfectly good items could “find a place where they’d be appreciated rather than discarded.”
Arabella believes that even the smallest actions can make a meaningful difference. “It’s important to remember that small gestures. like giving something a second life, can create a real sense of belonging and purpose.”
As a van packed so tightly its doors could barely close pulled away, Emma remarked on the unlikely beginnings of the initiative. “It’s funny how a small laundry hiccup can lead to an act of community good.”
Looking ahead, King’s hopes to continue donating surplus items to shelters and organisations in need. Service to the community is at the heart of the values of King’s College.
