As Launceston charities face unprecedented winter demand, Bass MP Janie Finlay's annual fundraiser is returning bigger and better than ever.
Blaze is an annual winter event, calling on Tasmanians to brave the mid-year cold and warm up on Wellington Street around fire pits in Ms Finlay's office car park.
This year, Ms Finlay is hoping to raise $5000 for The Examiner's Winter Relief Appeal, a goal she surpasses every year.
The target for the 2026 appeal has been set at $90,000, with every cent being distributed evenly between Launceston City Mission, The Salvation Army, The Launceston Benevolent Society, and St Vincent de Paul.
Biggest year yet
Every year, Blaze gets bigger and better, and its 2026 iteration will be no different.
This year has some returning favourites, with attendees able to warm up with hot potatoes, soups, steak sandwiches, and sausages.
The silent and loud auction will return this year. Attendees will be able to bid on accommodation in Melbourne and travel packages to Tasmania's West Coast.
Local artists, including Michelle Bradly and Kaz Hutchison, have also pitched in with new painted works and ceramics.
The event organiser, and Bass MP, said it was great to see Launceston's artists get involved.
"One of the things that we know about Launceston is that Launceston loves its arts community," Ms Finlay said.
"This is just another way of showcasing the talents in our community, we have people performing, we have people who have donated their great products, whether it be the premium steaks or beautiful local Tamar Valley wines.
"It's all about showcasing, showcasing the best of Launceston."
Ms Finlay said she hosts the event every year because she loves how it brings the community together.
"We know is that winter, it's tough," she said.
"There are more and more people in our community needing more and more help more often, and one of the things that we love about the Launceston community is when there's a call for support, they rally."
Funds needed more than ever
The event takes place amid an increasingly challenging economic climate, with two charities the Winter Relief Appeal supports saying demand has skyrocketed.
Launceston Benevolent Society general manager Karen Crane said the organisation is getting more people through their door than ever.
"We probably have four homeless people coming through every day, needing blankets, needing food, needing showers," she said.
"Winter is really tough at the moment. Just imagine living in a car or in a tent at the moment."
Ms Crane said the number of people reaching out to the Launceston Benevolent Society for the first time has increased.
"Over 40 per cent of people that are coming through our door haven't seen us in at least two years or are brand new," she said.
The Salvation Army's Corps Officer Roderick Brown said people are coming in asking for new things, such as fuel vouchers.
He said even small things, like the rising costs of petrol in the wintertime, add up and cause undue stress.
Ms Crane said without events like Blaze and the donations from The Examiner's Winter Relief Appeal, the organisation would have to cut back on services.
"These events mean a lot to us, with all of us trying to increase what we give, and having so many more people in, If we didn't have this, this would mean a reduction in what we can do," she said.
Mr Smith said the events provide charities with the flexibility to offer additional services centred on preventing homelessness.
"It gives us flexibility in that emergency relief space," he said.
"This just gives us that flexibility to meet someone's needs.
"The power bill that you need paid, some rental assistance, a household item that's broken down and really needs to be replaced, because it's essential."
Blaze will take place on June 26, 2026 and run from 6pm to 8pm.
The entry fee is a donation of your choosing.