Rest home knitters embrace charity drive
Monday 12 April 2010, 8:18AM
By Radius St Joans rest home and hospital
1,089 views
Residents at Radius St Joans rest home and hospital in Hamilton are showing their support and superior knitting skills to help African newborn babies in need.
Six rest home lady residents have been eagerly knitting a range of brightly coloured infants ‘fish-n-chip’ garments that will used to cloth African newborns who are regularly sent home from hospital wrapped only in newspaper.
“Our Women’s Institute group wanted to help in some way and when we were advised of this tragic situation by the National Office we obtained specific knitting patterns in the hope that we could contribute and help make a difference”, says Glenys Holden, Motiviational Therapist at Radius St Joans rest home and hospital.
The rest home knitters are members of the Radius St Joans Women’ Institute and have knitted more than 50 jumpers already, with more already underway.
“This latest project is really neat and perfect for our members as we have several expert knitters. Our ladies also really enjoy putting their valuable skills to a good cause and having their handiwork admired – it’s also provides an opportunity for a good natter during our meetings too”.
The group has been an active member of the NZ Womens’ Institute for the past six years and is regularly joined by members of the Gordonton Women’s Institute group. Radius St Joans rest home and hospital is the only aged residential care facility in New Zealand to have a registered Federation of Women’s Institute group.
“We formed our group when some of the rest home residents advised us they were life long members of the NZ Women’s Institute Group and still wanted to participate in all the activities and social benefits the organization afforded them,” says Glenys who made arrangements to form the group.
The Radius St Joans Women’s Institute regularly meet once a month within the rest home and also has some outside members who are part of the group. New members are always welcome to join and there’s much friendship, laughter and fun while indulging in a delightful afternoon tea put on by the rest home, says Glenys.