The Hugs and Stitches craft group at Juniper Chrystal Halliday Retirement Living is helping lighten the financial load for grandparent carers across the state.
For the past 15 years, members of the group have supported a variety of charities by making everything from jackets for premature babies to knee rugs, library bags and scarfs.
Former Juniper employee Robyn Edwards started Hugs and Stitches in 2010, and since then the group of Juniper Chrystal Halliday residents and friends has offered a social outlet to knit, chat and enjoy a cuppa each Thursday.
A couple of years ago, the group got word of the compassionate efforts of Grand Carers WA, which supports grandparents who take on the role of primary carers for their grandchildren.
For the past two Christmases, Hugs and Stitches has donated $2000 to Grand Carers WA from proceeds raised from a shopping centre stall selling knitted wares and raffles.
“It’s lovely for the members to feel that they are contributing to the community and to have that sense of achievement and personal satisfaction with what they create,” Robyn said.
Grand Carers WA Vice President Diane Franklyn said the cost for many grandparents in WA who were solely raising grandchildren on a pension was challenging and the group was enormously grateful to Hugs and Stitches.
“They are part of our family, we very much appreciate all the work they do,” Diane said.
Each year, Grand Carers WA helps members from around the state with a $300 food fund at Christmas and twice-yearly educational funding.
“The help we receive from groups like Hugs and Stitches makes all the difference,” Diane said.
“It might go towards new shoes for the school year and a backpack, so they can feel like the other kids.
“The love Hugs and Stitches shows us helps keep us going.”
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