Knitting for charity

is about more than garter stitch squares made by "little old ladies" and sewn together for "pet blankets".

There is an organisation across Downunder called "Knit4Charities" which provides thousands of items to charities every year. The items are given away to those in need. They range from those garter stitch squares to other blankets, beanies, mittens, gloves, garments, toys and more. Many of them are not simply "made" but extremely well made. The work of people like the former president of an organisation I belong to is of award winning standard. All sorts of scraps of yarn are put together by her and people like her to make warm garments for those in need.

There is also another group "AKWAK"called - "AussiesKnittingforWarAffectedKids" which provides garments and toys for children in refugee camps. Some of the same people belong to that group as well. Again they are knitting up yarn for children in need. It needs to be wool or almost all wool because there are open fires in camps. Acrylic is a fire hazard. It is not warm. Children need warm garments simply to survive. Giving them a woollen pullover large enough to last at least two years can mean the difference between life and death. Yes, children freeze to death in such places. 

An aid worker sent me a picture yesterday. I don't have permission to put it up here and I will respect their privacy anyway but try and imagine three children. They are about four, seven and ten or eleven. The eldest has a protective arm around the youngest and the middle child is leaning in on the older child.The  youngest is also clutching a small toy. The three of them are looking bewildered although there are hints of a smile on each of their faces. 

These three children are now "unaccompanied". They have no adult responsible for them. The oldest child has been trying to keep the others safe since their mother died three weeks ago. They had just been given warm woollen garments to help them through the coming winter. 

My role in all this has been to supply the older two with communication assistance. The oldest child barely speaks, the middle one refuses to speak at all. The youngest says a few words. I have been told that they will be sent to another country on the next available plane. Hopefully there will be someone there ready to take in three children who have nobody - unless they can trace some unknown relative.

They cried when they were given those warm garments. Even though it is currently the start of autumn they have insisted on wearing them. They won't take them off. 

If you can knit but don't know what to knit or who to knit for then please find your local AKWAK group. Ask them for the guidelines because there are many more children like this.

And for those of you who are already helping, thank you. On a purely selfish basis it makes my life easier. A warm child who thinks someone cares has more chance of survival - and becoming a good citizen somewhere..