COMMUNITY ‘WOOLPOWER’ NEEDED TO SUPPORT ELDERLY DURING THE WINTER

‘WOOLPOWER’ is needed across Leicestershire to enable a charity to reach its goal of knitting over 70,000 tiny hats before the end of June.

Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland, has been tasked with delivering 74,000 knitted hats before the end of June, as part of a campaign, run in partnership with Innocent smoothies.

The ‘Big Knit’ campaign is designed to support elderly members of the community during the cold winter months, when they are most vulnerable.

Every time a little bottle wearing a hat is sold, 25p will go Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, which will use the money to help make winter warmer for older people by providing things like electric blankets, or by bringing people
together for local activities and hot meals.

Residents at Mountview Care Home in Mountsorrel have been getting involved, with the cause, as well as staff at the site.

One of the care home’s most dedicated knitters is 97-year-old Joan Peel (pictured), who has lived at Mountview since March 2020.

“I’ve always loved to knit, so why stop?” she said.

“Knitting for charity is giving me even more pleasure, knowing the money raised will make a difference for so many people.

“I’m enjoying keeping my hands busy whilst chatting with other residents.”

Staff at the home, have also been getting involved with the campaign and senior carers, Vicki Willoughby and Yvonne Bayley have been particularly keen to show off their knitting credentials.

“I find knitting really theraputic on my days off so I was really pleased to get involved in this charity knit,” said Ms Bayley.

“I can sit and relax whilst knowing that I’m doing my part for a charity that is close to my heart.”

It is hoped that a total of £20,000 will be raised as a result of the campaign, with the special fundraising bottles going into shops later this year.

So far 60,585 have been knitted.