Taradale Senior Citz gather piles of knits for Ukraine

Norma Sinton surrounded by woollies, toys and boots to help those in Ukraine.

Taradale resident and Senior Citizens member Norma Sinton felt helpless when she saw images of war-torn Ukraine and the plight of the children. But then she heard about Operation Cover Up, a knitting organisation run by Mission Without Borders, and knew she could do something to help.

Fellow Senior Citz member and newsletter editor Isabel Wood got to work, spreading the word via an article to members about Norma’s project. And then things got a little crazy.

“It just snowballed. Photos of knitted items were posted on Facebook and other people began to get in touch. We must say a special thanks to super-knitter Andrea for her blankets and slippers.”

Donated soft toys and knitting will make its way to children in Eastern Europe.

Mission Without Borders distributes much-needed clothing to countries in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine. Robin says she is overwhelmed by the response to Norma’s project.

“The heart of those involved is such a blessing and will be to all those families over there.”

Norma also asked her spinning group for peggy squares to be knitted into blankets.

“Everybody got on board — it was absolutely amazing,” she says.

Knitting, soft toys and blankets have been donated for Norma's project.

Another Senior Citizens friend, Shirley Bath, took Norma around op shops from Takapau to Pahiatua, gathering extra items to be donated locally.

“When they found out about our project, a lot of them donated the items. With Shirley’s help, I was able to do a whole lot more. Some of the donations were directed towards the cyclone relief,” Norma says.

Gumboots were generously donated by members of the public.

Norma’s project also attracted blankets, clothing, knitted slippers, gumboots and gloves, which filled many spaces in Norma’s home.

“It started with a single bed, and I thought, that’d be it. Then we covered the double bed and there was still more and more. Sometimes I arrive home and there’s a bag at the front door. I’m absolutely delighted with the response and everyone who contributed. It’s brought us all together.”

All the new knitting is counted and checked before being packaged up, stored in Waipukurau and then shipped to Eastern Europe next month, where it will be distributed by Mission Without Borders.

“Our net spread far and wide,” Norma says.

Not one to rest on her laurels, she has a few other projects already brewing. If anyone is interested in contributing, get in touch with Norma on 844 8388.

• This story initially said Operation Cover Up would accept used clean clothing and shoes. This was incorrect, and was based on information given to the Napier Courier.