Knitters meet for a yarn

The Mangawhai Knitting Group (right) is just one of around 100 groups throughout New Zealand that knit for Operation Cover Up with the support of Missions Without Borders – the work started by Taupo’s Liz Clarke about 12 years ago.

Thousands of orphans and poor families in Moldova, Romania and the Ukraine receive knitted garments and blankets each year from New Zealand. Over 24 tonnes of knitted items packed into two 40-foot containers arrive in Eastern Europe ready for Christmas each year. Freight and shipping costs around $20,000 and knitting groups contribute to these costs.

Up to 15 ladies meet each month to knit and natter at Campbell Park Christian Camp, Mangawhai Heads. 

“We are keen for more knitters,” says group co-ordinator Robyn Osborne “and gratefully receive donations of double knit wool or woollen garments able to be undone and reknitted.”

For more info or to join the group, phone Robyn on 431 5730.