Every blanket means a warmer night
Photos: CRN archive
When Željko Jakupec, known as Jack, tragically passed away in March 2010, his friends from the Croatian Riders Network, learned about his unfulfilled dream of organising a Blanket Drive. They did everything they could to make that dream come true. The group was founded in 2009 under the leadership of Ante Kasić. It continues to bring together an increasing number of motorcycle enthusiasts. Today, it has over 150 members. With the aim of gathering and connecting Croats and their friends who ride motorcycles, the group fosters socialising and joint trips. Accordingly, the number of members continues to grow.
In addition to these activities, in May 2010, the group organised the first Jack Jakupec Memorial Blanket Drive. It involved collecting blankets for the homeless.
“The first time, the response was excellent. Our members travelled all over Melbourne collecting blankets and covers donated by Croatians from our communities and centres. Eventually, gathered at the Croatian Club in Sunshine, 30 riders carried the blankets on their motorcycles. Meanwhile, the rest were transported by a small truck. We headed towards Port Melbourne to the parish of Father Bob Maguire. He runs a charitable organisation helping Melbourne’s homeless, especially those near St Kilda. The surplus blankets were left at the parish office.
The ones on motorcycles were taken directly to Gatwick House in St Kilda. We personally distributed them to the homeless there. Naturally, they were surprised by this gesture. Our members were happy to be able to help those in need, even in a small way.
Besides this initiative, the group also collected donations in 2011 and 2012 for the Royal Children’s Hospital as part of the Good Friday Appeal. They organised a trip to the vineyard of one of our members, Žarko Perić. There, we gathered for a barbecue,” said Ante Kasić about the association’s charitable efforts so far.
Blankets on Bikes: A Unique Delivery
This year, Croatian bikers are once again organising the Jack Jakupec Memorial Blanket Drive. They are calling on all Croatians and their friends who are able and willing to donate their blankets or covers.
If you have any items in good condition that you no longer need, you are welcome to join this campaign. It will run until the end of May when the collected items will be distributed to the homeless at designated aid locations.
For more information, you can contact the group’s leader, Ante Kasić. You can reach him by phone at 0417 995 748 or via email at adkasic@bigpond.com.
In a YouTube video recorded in 2017, you can hear the late Father Bob learning a phrase in Croatian – “Dajte vaše deke!”, which translates to “Give your blankets!” in English:https://youtu.be/WTeTchFFqqc?si=CRpnu4S5pDuaXzq2
