Newcastle and Central Coast seniors have been squaring off – literally – against one another. And it’s all in the name of charity.
In the spirit of regional rivalry, the two opposing camps of clients from Home Instead’s Central Coast & Newcastle office have been encouraged to pit their knitting and crochet skills against one another to create large squares that will be sewn together to create ‘Angel Rugs’ for terminally ill patients.
What started off as a little friendly competition to knit the most contributions will turn into a thoughtful gesture this Thursday, when the first bundle of squares, in excess of 150, of the year-long contest are given to Elsie’s Project, which supports the palliative care unit at Gosford Hospital and another under way at Wyong Hospital.
With a variety of block colours and multi-coloured diagonal striped patterns, the knitted and crocheted 12-inch squares will be sewn together by volunteers to form single-bed-sized quilt covers. They will then be adorned with ‘Angel Tags’ that credit 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 & 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, welcomed the donation.
“The rugs are for patients at the palliative care unit at Gosford and another underway at Wyong. The rugs are given to the patients when they arrive and their families get to keep them as a beautiful and tangible reminder of their loved one,” she said.
“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.”
Home Instead Central Coast & 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, which will increase the number of palliative care beds on the Central Coast to 24, is set to open next year.
The 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.
About Elsie’s Project
- Elsie’s Project is a major initiative of the Lions Club of Wyoming East Gosford Centennial Inc.
- It supports a palliative care unit at Gosford Hospital and another at Wyong Hospital, which is set to open next year.
About Home Instead:
Home Instead is a national provider of high-quality, relationship-based home care for older people. We provide a range of services to support personal and lifestyle needs. Services include companionship, domestic assistance, personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transport to appointments, shopping, and social outings. Care is available from two hours to 24 hours a day and includes dementia care and palliative care.