Ten Talents Craft Centre donates $9000 to local causes

Booties, booties and more booties . . . some your traditional woolly warmers for baby feet, some crochet creations that look like miniature tramping boots, all whipped up by volunteers who contribute their handiwork to the Ten Talents Craft Centre in Ormond Road. The store sells a wide range of handcrafted items, from wooden toys to quilts, as well as knitwear for all ages. Picture by Loren Sirl

Ten Talents Craft Centre have continued their legacy of contributing to local organisations,  this year giving $9000 to the Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club, Midway Surf Life Saving Club and Alzheimers Gisborne.

“We like to keep it local,” said president Rexene McPherson.

Each year the centre committee decides who will benefit from their donations, with Eastland Rescue Helicopter Trust and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau two of the past years’  recipients.

The group of 28 volunteers work and contribute handicrafts to display at their store, Ten Talents.  The shop stocks homespun knitwear, felt bags, babywear and wooden toys  — just to name a few of the items available.

Ten Talents Craft Centre opened in 1972, moving from Makaraka to their Ormond Road premises in 1982.  It is a charitable trust, working on a commission basis. The store provides an outlet for many local hobbyists, creators and craftspeople to display and sell their wares.

Since 1982 the centre has donated an impressive $136,000. Giving back to local charities is something that is close to their heart.

“Some of the members have been volunteering here for 30 years,” said Mrs McPherson.

“There’s been a resurgence of knitting.  A few years ago everyone was wearing sweatshirts and polar fleeces but we are getting young mothers in now who are realising the warmth in wool.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic they experienced an increase in popularity for knitting and other creative arts.  Immediately before lockdown, sales increased, especially on balls of wool, as people prepared to keep their hands occupied during time at home.  The momentum has continued, with winter being their busiest time of the year for sales.

“Although we can get busy with people buying gifts for Christmas,” said Rexene.

They are also stockists of Kiwi-owned Noble Wilde brand items, an innovative mix blend of merino and possum gloves.

“We want to keep it going, and encourage younger people to volunteer too,” said Mrs McPherson.

Ten Talents is at 35 Ormond Road. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and Saturday, 10am to 3pm.