A 15-strong team of knitters have been brandishing their needles in aid of our Exeter office’s chosen charity, Age UK Exeter.
Stephens Scown’s knitting club has knitted as many little woolly hats as possible for the Exeter branch of Age UK, in support of the charity’s nationwide campaign “the Big Knit”.
The club, comprised of 15 knitters of mixed experience, have knitted 375 hats in total. The hats will be put on Innocent Smoothies bottles, which will be sold from February 2016. 25p from each bottle sold will go directly to Age UK.
Many of the members had never picked up a pair of needles prior to the start of the club in October. However this did not stop their enthusiasm to learn a new skill, whilst also benefiting a great cause.
Trainee solicitor Kate Fisher who started the knitting club at Stephens Scown said: “I was shocked to learn that as many as 25,000 older people’s lives are at risk this winter, simply due to the cold. The campaign raises vital funds to help older people keep warm and well through these upcoming months. This is through befriending visits, emergency cold weather support, warm meals and other vital services.
“The club has proven to be such a hit that it plans to continue after the Big Knit campaign ends, to help with further charitable causes!“
Martyn Rogers, Director, Age UK Exeter said: “This will be the third year we have taken part in the Big Knit. We are hoping to exceed last year’s hat total of 3064. We receive 25p for every hat we send so we are extremely grateful for all contributions.
“All of the money we raise through the campaign will be allocated to our “No one should have no one at Christmas” Appeal and stays within the city of Exeter. We are delighted with the support from Stephens Scown employees who have taken up the challenge to help us reach our target.”