Caring Causes: Blankets of Hope and We All Really Matter

 

The Indiana Pacers and center Myles Turner are partnering with Blankets of Hope, an organization dedicated to inspiring a global movement of kindness, to launch Turner’s W.A.R.M. program.   W.A.R.M. is acronym for “We All Really Matter,” a principle that Turner learned from his mom while growing up in Texas and one that he has carried with him throughout his life and career. The goal of the W.A.R.M. program is to continue to provide help and resources those less fortunate, particularly the homeless, which directly aligns with the mission of Blankets of Hope.       “When I learned that Blankets of Hope shared a similar vision and mission, I was eager to partner with them so that we could expand our reach and spread a message of kindness throughout the city of Indianapolis,” Turner said.   Blankets of Hope helps students practice empathy and kindness in an impactful service-learning experience where participants write handwritten notes to people experiencing homelessness. The notes are affixed to blankets and distributed to those in need.    “Blankets of Hope is ecstatic to be partnering with such an incredible role model like Myles Turner. Myles’ lifelong compassion for the hardships of others sends a powerful message to kids that more than anything, kindness is cool,” said Blankets of Hope cofounder, Nick Fio.

Schedule of Events Myles Turner and Blankets of Hope founders, Nick and Mike Fio will be available for interviews.  Monday, March 21: Myles Turner visited PLA@103 (3920 Baker Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46235) at 8:30am to meet with students from kindergarten through sixth grade to speak with them about his W.A.R.M. program, encourage them to better the communities in which they live and play, and provide them with special surprises.  (VIDEO IS AVAILABLE)   Wednesday, March 30: Following the Pacers game against the Sacramento Kings, Turner and his Turner’s Block fan group will join Blankets of Hope founders, Nick and Mike Fio to come together on the Fever practice court, assemble the W.A.R.M. kits, and prep them for distribution. (VIDEO OPPORTUNITY)   W.A.R.M. kits will include gloves, socks, and hand towels, as well as blankets from Blankets of Hope.   Thursday, March 31: Turner, the Fio brothers, and members of Turner’s Block, will visit our neighbors at Wheeler Mission (245 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204) to personally deliver the W.A.R.M. kits. (VIDEO OPPORTUNITY)   View the Fio brothers’ TED talk about their organization here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9frCKywbvI