Wairarapa Federation of Women’s Institutes members Janet Morrison [left] and Gaye Barnes with Hokai Tahi service manager Katie van Dalen. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
A group of talented crafters is helping Hōkai Tahi spread warmth and comfort to families, with a donation of over 200 “winter woollies”.
Hōkai Tahi [formerly Crisis Pregnancy Support Wairarapa], which supports whānau through pregnancy, baby loss and termination, was the recipient of 233 knitted baby items, made by members of the Wairarapa Federation of Women’s Institutes.
Federation president Janet Morrison said she saw an article about Hōkai Tahi in the Midweek, and thought “that’s an organisation we’d love to support.”
Members across the region’s 10 Women’s Institutes picked up their knitting needles and got to work, spending an estimated 1000 hours producing an array of cot blankets, hats, booties, singlets and cardigans.
Morrison and fellow Women’s Institute member Gay Barnes handed over the donation to Hōkai Tahi service manager Katie van Dalen and receptionist Christine Wratt late last month.
“We were absolutely thrilled,” van Dalen said.
“All of the staff and volunteers for Hōkai Tahi are continually amazed and humbled by the generosity of the Wairarapa community.”
Women’s Institutes have been active in rural New Zealand since 1921 and have a strong focus on nurturing friendships, sharing practical skills, encouraging thrift and self-sufficiency, and caring for others in need.
The Wairarapa Federation of Women’s Institutes have produced beanies and knee blankets for primary school children, and they continue to look for projects that add value to their communities.
“And we’re always looking for younger members!” Barnes said.
- To find out more about making a donation to Hokai Tahi, go to www.hokaitahi.nz/donations, or email [email protected]
