Spread the Warmth: A Simple Gift, a Powerful Message of Love

Spread the Warmth is back for 2025, inviting our 96five community to wrap women in care and compassion—literally.

We’re once again partnering with Micah Project’s Brisbane Domestic Violence Service, collecting brand-new dressing gowns for women who will spend Mother’s Day in crisis accommodation.

These women have taken courageous steps to protect themselves and their children, often leaving everything behind. A soft, cozy dressing gown may seem like a small gift—but it speaks volumes. It says, You are seen. You are loved. You are not alone.

Domestic violence continues to be a devastating issue across Australia. According to Our Watch and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, on average, one woman every nine days is murdered by her current or former partner. Women are more likely to experience violence from someone they know than by a stranger (35% vs 11%) and 1 in 4 women (27%) has experienced violence, emotional abuse, or economic abuse by a cohabitating partner since the age of 15.

These aren’t just numbers—they represent our sisters, friends, daughters, neighbours. And while a robe may not change the world, it can bring dignity, warmth, and the reassurance that someone cares.

How You Can Help

Each dressing gown will be distributed by Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS) and gifted to a woman spending Mother’s Day in safe accommodation this year.

We’re proud to partner once again with Brisbane Domestic Violence Service who believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and free from the fear of violence. They provide immediate support and services for women and children experiencing or at risk of domestic and family violence and have been working in the community for 30 years.

96five’s Ken and Nicky caught up with Ria Wong (Lead for Brisbane Domestic Violence Service) and Tracey who is a lived experience advocate from Resound Group.

“I think that it’s enormous, the impact,” Tracey said.

“For a woman or a mother that has had the courage to escape family and domestic violence… that feeling of luxury, that warmth and that luxury that a robe offers that woman… because mothers quite often may not attribute financial resources towards something that’s so luxurious for themselves

“It’s overwhelming the feeling of support and love and kindness from the community”.

Listen to the full interview in the player above.