Pat Edward, Debbie Woolf, Kathryn Tovgaard and Barbara Crooks started the project about four months ago, although the Ferrymead Rotary group has been providing knitted clothing to the hospital for some time.
Kathryn has personally been knitting for the hospital for five years.
Barbara said they intensified their efforts this year after receiving a call for help from the hospital. All babies born at the hospital are given a woollen hat at birth, while woollen singlets, matinee jackets and booties are available for mothers to take home.
Earlier this month, Richie and Gemma McCaw even stepped up to the call for help, knitting small hats to donate to Christchurch Women’s Hospital.
So far, the Ferrymead group has knitted more than 60 woolly hats, with Pat heading the count.
The hats produced are a variety of different sizes and colours.
They estimate up to seven hours goes into making each hat.
Most of the knitting has been done individually, although the four have got together from time to time to share wool and swap notes.
Acknowledging Rotary clubs used to be men only Kathryn said: “People don’t necessarily connect Rotarians with knitting but anything is possible.”
She said being a part of a Rotary club was a family tradition.
“One thing I said a long time ago was that I always wanted to help out in the community throughout my life,” she said.
“A group of people can do so much more than just an individual.”
The Mission gives these items, donated or sourced by Rotary members, to homeless people.
For more information about Ferrymead Rotary and its community projects, phone secretary Kathryn Tovgaard on 384 9485.
