Knitting Guild donates record number of garments

THE CHRISTEL Armstrong Knitting Guild was recently able to distribute a record number of 2 409 garments - most knitted, sewn or handmade by its members.

Co-ordinator of the guild, Dorothy-Anne Howitson, said on Friday that the organisation was totally overwhelmed by the fabulous response from its donors.

“This year we received an all-time high of 2 409 garments for distribution; and since 1986 we have distributed 33 151 items.”

The guild was able to assist various organisations with knitted, crochet or handmade clothes, including ACVV, Bapelo Home, Christina Kiddie Children’s Home, Child Welfare South Africa, Du Toitspan Primary School, Destiny House, Elizabeth Conradie School, Gogo & Ntamkhulu Old Age Home, Hospice (both the children’s section and home-based care), Kimberley Hospital’s oncology department and ICU Prem Unit, Martha’s Sunday School children at Witdam (Grace Baptist Church), NGK Newton, Resthaven Old Age Home, Sally Aucamp Home, St Matthew’s Parish and the Willow Bank/Pelindaba Project (Kimberley Baptist Church).

The aim of the knitting guild is to provide new garments that are sewn, knitted or purchased with compassion, which give self-

respect, assist therapy and rehabilitation and are a sign of caring to the underprivileged.

Each year the committee collects cash donations as well as donations of wool and material from various members of the public as well as businesses, while members and friends knit, crochet, sew or donate items such as jerseys, blankets, bed socks, caps, scarves, booties, baby jackets, tops, trousers, socks, tracksuits, gloves, mittens, baby-grows, baby dresses, baby crawlers and prem-packs. Squares are also knitted to sew into blankets and other items.

Funds are also raised during the year through raffles, the sale of cot blankets and recycling.