RESIDENTS at the Bill Buchanan Association, a Morningside-based home for the elderly, put out an appeal for wool donations to aid their knitting project.
Through the project, about 15 members have used their knitting needles to create blankets, beanies, scarves and other garments to keep the elderly warm this winter. The knitted items are donated to those in need.
Bill Buchanan Association resident, Felicity Fotheringham is currently managing the project.
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“This is made of scrap. We use a lot of scrap. We would be very pleased to have any scraps that the public is willing to donate. These knitted squares will be sewn together to make a blanket. We make blankets of various sizes,” she said.
While the project aims to help others, Fotheringham said she has also enjoyed time spent knitting.
“I have been knitting since I was a child. I have developed it and learnt a lot about it. I am very pleased to be a part of this project. It has given me a lot,” she said.
“All our wings have been clipped since Covid-19 came, we can’t go gallivanting anymore,” added fellow resident, Hendrina Van Rooyen.
She said they received a good response to their Facebook appeal.
“We accept, not only scraps, but any wool that people can spare. We’ve had a massive response to the Facebook appeal, which has been absolutely wonderful. Donations come complete with half made garments which we will try and finish and submit as well. We make blankets scarves, gloves, beanies- anything that cold people can use,” she said.
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The project received a stamp of approval from the Bill Buchanan Association CEO, Dudley Fortune.
“Because of the lockdown, the residents are all confined to these buildings. This is helping to take their mind off it and keep them busy. If anyone else has any other ideas of what to do, we would be happy to hear it,” he said.
For more information, or to donate wool to the project, contact the Bill Buchanan Association on 031 312 8272 or email hr@billbuchanan.co.za.
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