By Afraa Kori
Evergreen Retirement Village is calling for donations of wool or lace to support residents who are knitting comfort teddies for those in need.
One resident, Mary Walker, was inspired to make teddies and approached other residents from the village about the idea, who tagged along.
Their initial goal was 100 teddies after launching the group last year. Now, Mary and her team have completed over 400 and are looking forward to creating more.
Some ladies knit, crochet, and make teddy bears, animals, nurses and other items. The group is not only for knitters but also for natters, where they come together to bond and chat.
Her team donated their comfort teddies to Casey Hospital, SES, Ambulance Victoria, schools, families, visitors, and many others.
These cherished items provide a sense of belonging and comfort to infants, children and adults.
“There was a mother whose adult son was undergoing major surgery. I gave him a teddy, and later I asked him, ’How are you going?’ He said, ’It’s on my dashboard, and I talk to it every now and then.”
“There was a child crying loudly in the room because he was afraid to get blood taken out of his harm. The nurse grabbed one of our teddies and gave it to the child and he stopped crying immediately.”
On a personal level, this initiative made Mary feel needed and useful.
“I’m 85 years of age and it just makes me feel fulfilled and to know that I’m still here for a purpose.”
“I was a foster mum and I used to have children come into my place around the day and night, and told me stories of how they were removed from their home. I only supported them but I didn’t know where they went after. Now I am seeing the results of just helping people.”
Evergreen manager Sharyn Allsopp is grateful for the whole Pakenham community for their support and donations.
Special thanks to Daniel from Two Petals who delivered a huge donation in a heartbeat after the retirement village was seeking donations.
Follow their journey: https://www.facebook.com/share/162iekMQUi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
