Knitting For A Cause
General Interest
A knitting goal of 100 beanies over 12 months ended with 800, such was the enthusiasm for Papamoa Beach’s Pacific Lakes Village’s knitting group.
Village resident Gael Garrett started the knitting-for-a-cause group last year to make beanies for the Tauranga charity Under the Stars.
“Under the Stars looks after those who are sleeping rough in Tauranga and provides support, including food, showers, and warmth like our beanies,” explains Gael.
“I had been knitting 50 or 60 per year and they were so welcomed by those receiving them at Under the Stars. I couldn’t keep up with the demand and wanted to supercharge the knitting so my husband suggested I put a call out at the village.”
Now, the knitting group includes up to 34 women. They are dedicated to using New Zealand wool in all of their work. Most of it comes from the Skeinz wool mill in Napier.
“I am just so grateful and proud of everyone involved in the knitting. They turn up, they do the mahi (work), and without them, we wouldn’t be able to reach so many people. The village as a whole is very community-minded, The beanies and other items make such a difference in the lives of those who receive.”
The beanies follow a particular pattern that fits snugly on the head so that they don’t keep falling off. Gael says she has had great feedback from those who receive them, saying they are just so comfortable.
Last year, the group donated 100 beanies to Under the Stars and others to Tauranga Foodbank, which will continue this year as they’re hugely popular with food parcels. The donations also went to people who suffered in the East Cape from cyclone Gabrielle last year, a nearby rest home for residents who are taken for walks in the winter, and the United Seafarer’s Mission in Mount Maunganui.
“People who volunteer at the Mount for the merchant seamen who come into New Zealand and take our produce overseas, they give them beanies to help with the harsh conditions on those boats and they really appreciate it.”
The group is now also going to knit clothes for newborn babies at Tauranga Hospital—all-in-ones, booties, and the famous beanies for which the knitting group is becoming known. Knitting for a cause is going from strength to strength says Gael.
“Knitting is one of those things that’s a stress reliever. You have to count all the time, so it's good for memory and staves off Alzheimer's. We’re a friendly group; we help each other. It’s fun being involved.”
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