Blyth Rotary
In August 2023 a decision was made to support the Charity 'Operation Orphan" by collecting warm clothing and knitting jumpers, hats, scarves and gloves for children orphaned by natural disasters or conflict.
Large knitted or crocheted blankets were also required, and so, a request was sent out to schools and local communities for their help.
Collection points were arranged, and donations began to come in, with wool being supplied by those who couldn't knit or crochet, but who wanted to support the Project
The word soon spread, and local Comunity groups, particularly from the Blyth Area, began sending in their knitted/crotcheted squares to be converted into 6' x 4' blankets. Some contributors from the Blyth Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Group even learnt to knit or crotchet to support us, which was amazing as many of them suffer from extreme pain, on a daily basis.
Contributors spanned the County from Alnwick right down to North Tyneside, with 11 groups and individuals , and we were overwhelmed by the generosity given by people with their time and donations.
On 14th May,Rotarian Fiona, with her husband Paul, and Rotarians Colin and Judy drove down to Beeston to deliver the collected items...which far exceeded our original target of 100 items....and it was a delight to meet the team and hear more about the many facets to the Charity's work.
It was our hope that by the beginning of our Rotary Club's Centenary year in July 2024, 100 items would be handed over to Operation Orphan , and below is the amount of donated items for which we were very grateful.
Final Count up!
52 Children's Warm winter coats
100 + hats, scarves, gloves
5 "bin liner" sized bags of warm tops
4 Fleece blankets
Wrist warmers, neck warmers (numerous!)
42 hand knitted jumpers
43 hand knitted 6' x 4' blankets (4,128 x 6 inch squares!)
An incredible result, which means children surviving being surrounded by love.
Thank you
Judy
Blyth Rotary.