Knitters square off in charity challenge

Home Instead clients from Newcastle and the Central Coast have squared off against one another this year to make rugs for Elsie’s Project, which supports the palliative care unit at Gosford and will do the same for the Wyong unit when it is competed.

Knit and Natter participants have been locking needles as they create large squares that will be sewn together to create Angel Rugs for terminally ill patients.

The friendly rivalry reached its first milestone when more than 150 squares were handed over to Elsie’s Project at Belmont on September 5.

With a variety of block colours and multi-coloured diagonal striped patterns, the knitted and crocheted 30cm squares will be sewn together by volunteers to form single-bed-sized quilt covers.

They will then be adorned with Angel Tags crediting the volunteers who created them.

“It’s been so lovely to see our seniors getting together at our monthly Knit and Natter social events while doing something for such a great cause,” Home Instead Community Engagement Manager – Central Coast and Newcastle – Samantha Farham said.

“Many of our Knit and Natter participants knit for enjoyment, rather than making jumpers or scarves, so we thought contributing to the Angel Rug initiative would be a meaningful way to give their creativity a beautiful purpose.

“The entire group and our caregivers are excited to see how many rugs we can help create for Elsie’s Project.”

Margaret Pearce, chair of Elsie’s Project organising committee, said the rugs were given to patients when they arrived and their families could keep them as a beautiful and tangible reminder of their loved one.

“We are grateful for the seniors’ support of our Angel Rug project, which is all about bringing a little bit of brightness to patients and their families going through a tough time,” she said.

Home Instead Central Coast and Newcastle, a leading provider of in-home care, is a major supporter of Elsie’s Project, donating $10,000 last year to fund a water feature in the courtyard garden at the Wyong unit.

The 12-bed palliative care facility at Wyong Hospital is set to open next year and will increase the number of palliative care beds on the Central Coast to 24.

Winner of the competition to knit the most squares for Elsie’s Project will be announced at a Home Instead Christmas function.

Currently, Newcastle seniors have knitted slightly more squares, but it’s expected to be a tight finish.