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Have You Heard of the Pins and Needles Group?

Based in the Northern Beaches, Pins and Needles is a dedicated and talented cohort of volunteers who lovingly knit and donate blankets, scarves, beanies and knitted garments to local organisations in need.

Dee Why RSL is pleased to support local knitting group Pins and Needles with funding to purchase knitting wool, in order to cope with the increasing demand for the important work they do for our northern beaches community.

“The support has made a significant difference to Pins and Needles,” said member Jynell Mair.

“We were able to buy more yarn than in previous years to distribute to knitters and crocheters in the community. The items were well received by all recipients. Once again we would like to recognise the grant given by DYRSL. Thank you. Quite simply without the grant we would not have been able to support our community.”

To date, an impressive 543 rugs, 286 scarves and 513 beanies together with numerous children’s jumpers, mittens, cotton face washers, baby bootees and caps have been created and donated to charities in need.

The Burdekin Association, Stewart House, Royal Far West Manly, Dee Why Women’s Refuge, Street Mission, Dee Why Women’s Refuge and St Vincent de Paul are just some of the charities that Pins and Needles donate to, in addition to donating to the bushfire and drought appeals in 2020.

“We recently received heartfelt feedback from a local group that cares for the homeless, reporting the delight and happiness the recipients showed when they were given gifts of beanies and rugs that were able to keep. They were touched that people would care enough to create and donate,” said Jynell.

Formed over 10 years ago as a social group, Pins and Needles evolved into knitting for charities. The participants of the group benefit through increased connectedness, mental health support and enhanced wellbeing through knitting activities.

While face-to-face meetings temporarily stopped due to Covid-19, the ongoing dedication of these volunteers continued by delivering yarn to knitters who were unable to leave home.

They have recommenced monthly meetings at St John’s Anglican Church Dee Why with Covid-19 restrictions, and group members are already collecting yarn and patterns to knit over the summer break.

“Everyone in the group says how happy they are to be back. We all missed the contact and conversation during the lockdown. We’re very supportive of each other and there’s a wonderful community feel. We look forward to a less distressing 2021”, added Jynell.

Pins and Needles would be happy to hear from any community groups that are in need of knitted articles and can be contacted through St Johns Anglican Church on 9971 8694.