While some are bunkering down, the Forrester’s Beach Retirement Village ladies knitting group is helping those in need to fight the struggles imposed by coronavirus, one winter woolly at a time.
The 30 women have been donating handcrafted blankets, beanies and scarves to charities on the Central Coast, after a surge in demand for warm clothing.
The retirees reached out to a local St Vincent’s de Paul welfare officer to offer the gifts after the charity launched its National COVID-19 Winter Appeal in late June.
Members of the group, who have been knitting together for 11 years, have been working hard to keep up with the demand.
Group coordinator and resident, Noelene Hudson, said donating her knitted beanies was the least she could do and hoped they brought some relief to families during this time.
“The crisis has been hard on everyone, but we know there are community members and families in need who might benefit from a few extra essentials to keep them warm this winter,” she said.
“After everything they’ve been through, we hope it’s just one less thing they need to worry about.”
With retirement villages being hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, Forrester’s Beach Retirement Village Manager, Julie Ramage, said the activity has helped battle some of the group’s anxiety about the possibility of a second wave in NSW.
“Even though many of our residents are in the high-risk category, they’re constantly thinking about how they can help others in our community,” Ramage said.
“They know there are families out there who have suddenly lost one or both incomes and are suffering mentally, emotionally and financially at the hands of this pandemic.”
Source
Media Release Aug 10
Retire Australia