A woolly knitted scarf, beanie or gloves/mittens can warm up even the coldest night, and we want to give away as many as we can to Maroondah residents experiencing hardship – but we need your help to make it happen.
Council is partnering with local community houses to launch a new initiative – Knit one, warm one
Knit one, warm one builds on the remarkable spirit and goodwill shown during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering a chance for knitters to help those who are sleeping rough or struggling financially.
Councillor Nora Lamont said the initiative – part of the Be Kind Maroondah campaign – was the perfect way for knitters of all ages and skill level to combine their creative passion with kindness.
"Imagine not having a place to call home, warm clothes or blankets, or not being able to afford to run the heating during the cold winter months. This is the reality for many people in our community experiencing hardship who do not have access to basic comforts that many of us take for granted," Cr Lamont said.
"A scarf is one of the simplest things you can knit. Knitting needles, wool, a little bit of love and a pattern to follow are all you need to stitch and purl your way to helping the most vulnerable in our community," she said.
"We're grateful to residents of Cherrytree Retirement Village and Yarrunga Retirees Group members who have answered the call for help and donated a range of beautifully handmade items ready to be gifted to those in need," Cr Lamont said.
In the 2019-2020 financial year, almost 18,000 people sought the assistance of homelessness and crisis services in Melbourne's east, according to latest Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) figures.
"With heating and other costs of living hurting more Australians, and increased pressures on families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the demand in our community has never been greater. We hope knitted items can bring a sense of comfort and warmth to those in need in Maroondah," Cr Lamont said.
"We welcome anything from knitted socks, scarves, beanies, mittens and gloves in any choice of colour and style. And you don't need to be an accomplished knitter to take part. There are plenty of knitting tutorials for beginners on YouTube, or you could ask a family member to teach you – or even join a local online knitting group," she said.
"Acts of kindness speak louder than words and by working together we can help change someone's story, even in some small way," Cr Lamont added.
Anyone wanting to donate knitted garments is asked to please phone Council on 1300 88 22 33 and we will organise the collection of your goods.
All items will be going to not-for-profit organisation Wellways to be gifted to people in Maroondah who are sleeping rough or struggling financially.
Items will be accepted until Monday 31 August 2020.
Due to Stage 3 'Stay at home' restrictions being reinstated, our Community Houses can still accept donations, but they will have reduced opening hours. If you are planning to visit, we ask that you please call ahead.
Participating Community Houses include:
- Arrabri Community House, Allambanan Drive, Bayswater North - 9294 7530
- Central Ringwood Community Centre, Bedford Road, Ringwood - 9870 2602
- Glen Park Community Centre, Glen Park Road, Bayswater - 9720 5097
- North Ringwood Community House, Tortice Drive, Ringwood North - 9876 3421
- Yarrunga Community Centre, Croydon Hills Drive, Croydon Hills - 9722 8942
