Library's sock stitch-up for sick kiwi kids

Socks, stitches and sewing – it’s all part of the Sock Monkey Marathon at Hamilton City Council’s Garden Place Library tomorrow (Thursday, 13 December).

The Great Sock Monkey Challenge is a nationwide event encouraging people to create hand-crafted sock monkey toys to show their support for children struggling with long-term or chronic illnesses. The project aims to donate a sock monkey to 1000 New Zealand children before Christmas.

From 10am to 3pm at the Garden Place Library, crafters or anyone willing to try their sewing can come in and make a special sock monkey friend to be distributed to Waikato children via Waikato Hospital.

Garden Place Library’s Service Development Manager Debbie Lascelles says all materials will provided thanks to sponsors The Warehouse and Columbine and there will be sewing experts to lend a hand as well.

Mrs Lascelles says staff member Kelly Bold suggested the library get on board the programme.

“Kelly was really moved after hearing about The Great Sock Monkey Challenge and knew this was definitely something our community would love to get behind.”

Says Kelly: “It’s lovely how something so simple as a little handmade sock monkey friend can bring joy and comfort to a sick child.”

The Sock Monkey Marathon at Garden Place Library begins at 10am.

For more on The Great Sock Monkey Challenge, visit the campaign's Facebook page.