A women’s auxiliary that meets each week to knit has raised more than $150,000 in the past six years for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The Werribee Ladies for Kids Auxiliary has helped the Royal Children’s fund a new ultrasound machine, a music therapy program for adolescents and a study into using fluoxetine for children with autism.
Treasurer Heather Brett said the group of 20, – which meets each Thursday to knit, chat and enjoy afternoon tea – started about six years ago out of her Hoppers Crossing home.
The group later moved its meeting spot to Heathglen Retirement Village to make it easier for some of the attendees.
“Not everybody lives here, we have all these others come in,” she said. “We just sit and chat, have the best afternoon teas ever.”
The women use their crafty skills to knit and sew doll clothes, baby clothes, coat hangers, tea cosies and blankets, which are then sold at monthly stalls at the RCH and shopping centre markets. Ms Brett also makes jam.
Ms Brett said football clothing proved very popular among customers.
“You can do beanies, rugs, jumpers, dolls, whatever – if it’s in footy colours, it goes.”
Ms Brett said the group was extremely grateful for the many donations of wool and other items to help their fundraising efforts.
Member Daphne Holden said the group was one of the best things she’d ever been part of.
“It’s not just knitting. If you’re feeling a bit lonely, you can come and have a cup of tea.”
Details: email Heather at heather.brett@bigpond.com
