Nicki Winn, Coordinator of the South Auckland Health Foundation’s Wool Programme, was presented with colourful baby blankets, beanies and booties. These were knitted by the prisoners in the Management Separates Unit at Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility (ARWCF).
Over 40 crocheted or knitted blankets and almost as many beanies were made into parcels with other knitted clothing. They were donated to families of new borns at Middlemore Hospital, the Neonatal Unit and families in the Counties Manukau community.
“This programme gives the women a real sense of purpose,” remarks Nina Haines, Assistant Chaplain at ARWCF. “Most of these women have never knitted or crocheted before and they are extremely proud of their handiwork. They take great delight in working out their patterns and colours and show off the finished items to their friends.”
All the knitting wool is donated as part of the programme, and Rotary Clubs were instrumental in providing funds for basic equipment such as storage bins, knitting needles and crochet hooks.
“Not only are these women learning a new skill, it’s something constructive and useful that they can give back to society,” says Nina.
As always, there is a huge demand for warm knitted garments in the winter months and wool is in short supply. If you are able to donate any spare wool or acrylic knitting yarn in any ply or any colour, please email volunteering@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 495 8428.
If you would like to learn more about the Wool Programme please visit www.sahf.org.nz or ring Nicki Winn on (09) 2708808.
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