Knitting
Knitters in RSVP
The 2000 RSVP knitting volunteers make a variety of knitted goods for needy causes, mainly clothing for premature babies, trauma teddies for children in distress and other items of clothing for those in need wherever they may be. Although there are volunteers from across the RSVP age spectrum, knitting particularly allows those who are traditional receivers of services - the housebound, those in sheltered and residential accommodation - to take part in volunteering and their role as volunteers is particularly welcome.
Partner Organisations
Around the country local knitting organisers are involved in developing relationships with local hospitals to provide clothing for the special care baby units and trauma teddies for Accident & Emergency departments. Many items go abroad on aid convoys and RSVP has working relationships with such organisations as International Aid Trust, Smile International, and the Communication Workers Union.
Knitting organisers have the freedom to develop their own outlets as long as there is no 'sale' involved.
Wool
With over 2000 knitters the acquisition of wool is an ongoing activity.
It is simply not possible to keep knitting volunteers in a regular supply
of wool. On occasion head office receives donations of wool and distributes
it to those organisers with greatest need but mainly it is the responsibility
of the knitting organiser to source wool for volunteers through local
appeals, arrangements with charity shops etc. In the past RSVP has received
assistance in sourcing wool from the Department of Health and the Haberdashers
Company
Teddy
bears' picnic
Pretty
in pink
Legless
- and never touched a drop!
Tastefully
colour co-ordinated