Local group helps keep babies warm

By Liz MacIntyre

Many babies and children will be warmer for next winter, thanks to the efforts of the Hahei Quilting Group. Group members, Charmaine Clow and Sandy Herbert, recently took a trip up to Auckland to deliver 21 quilts and bags full of tiny, knitted garments to the Middlemore Foundation, based at Middlemore Hospital.

“We were really well received and taken on a tour, including the Foundation’s rooms, and the Kidz First Children’s Hospital. The Foundation is very grateful for anything that will help premature babies, newborns and children get through the winter,” said Mrs Clow.

The Middlemore Foundation is a registered charity that fundraises for Middlemore Hospital and supports healthcare in the community, delivering resources to needy families.

Middlemore Foundation CEO, Margi Mellsop said many babies are readmitted to hospital during their first year of life with respiratory illnesses, often due to living in cold, damp conditions.

“Knitted clothing and blankets help keep these babies warm and snug. Our greatest need currently is hats for babies. Our birthing unit uses up to 20 hats a day, so there will always be an ongoing demand for them.”

Hahei Quilting Group member, Joy Donald has been knitting up a storm, sending off six beanies, bootees, knitted woollen singlets and vests, about 20 in total.

About eight women from Hahei, Hot Water Beach, Coroglen and Whitianga meet twice a month at the Hahei Hall to work on their quilts and other handiwork, including making charity quilts.

Caption: Hahei Quilters Group survey their latest quilts for the Middlemore Foundation.