Winter Appeal – helping others one stitch at a time

Posted Jul 11, 2018 in Faith

Twenty knitted blankets are on their way to bringing warmth to people in need, thanks to the skill and generosity of a group of residents at Westminster Village Aged Care. Every Tuesday the residents gather to knit colourful squares, which are lovingly crocheted together to create blankets for UnitingSA’s Emergency Relief centre.

Donations made to UnitingSA during winter go straight towards the UnitingSA’s Winter Appeal, which supports almost 1500 people who require emergency relief such as, people who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, and those in financial hardship.

“There are people who are sleeping in their car or transitioning from homelessness to home,” says Cindy, the anti-poverty team leader for UnitingSA, “these blankets will go to help those people. Children, in particular, love the colours and it really brightens their day.”

Sheryl, who has volunteered with the knitting group for the past five years, agrees the benefits are two-fold. She says it helps residents form friendships, increase social interaction, and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

“At this time of year there is so much need and the ladies love being able to help. When they see the finished product, they say ‘that’s my square’. It’s very rewarding.”

As well as knitting together every Tuesday, the residents often knit squares in their rooms between times to ensure they make steady progress on the blankets. One of the most prolific knitters is Joyce, who at 96 shows no sign of slowing down, “Right from a youngster I’ve always knitted - it has always been a big part of my life,” she says, “I’m sure a lot of people will appreciate these blankets.”

Another resident, Phyllis, 91, has been part of the knitting group since moving to Westminster three years ago. She especially loves knowing her work is helping people who really need it, “It lifts my heart when I know where the blankets go,” Phyllis says, “I feel that I can’t do much at my age but little things like this, I can contribute to.”

UnitingSA relies on the generosity of individual donors to help them deliver programs and services to those in need. The UnitingSA’s Winter Appeal welcome donations of blankets, warm clothing such as jumpers, socks, beanies and rain jackets, non-perishable food items, and personal care and hygiene products.

Donations such as these can be brought to the UnitingSA’s Emergency Relief Centre at 58 Dale St, Port Adelaide, between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Monetary donations can be made securely online at unitingsa.com.au/donate or by calling (08) 8440 2200. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

For more information on UnitingSA’s Winter Appeal visit: https://unitingsa.com.au/winter-appeal-provides-critical-support/

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