At Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village, a small group of residents gather weekly, needles clicking and yarn winding through their hands as stories and laughter are shared. They call themselves the Ernest Rutherford Knitting Group – and their beautiful work is now bringing comfort to people affected by cancer.
It all began when Willy, one of the group’s keen knitters, completed a colourful lap blanket and wondered aloud, “What do I do with it now?” A conversation with a visiting friend, Wendy Cornish, led to the blanket finding its way to the Canterbury Cancer Centre.
Since then, the group has been knitting with purpose, creating chemo socks, beanies, lap blankets and more, all for people going through cancer treatment.
Each stitch is woven with care, and many of the knitters bring personal experiences to their craft, supporting loved ones through cancer or having faced it themselves.
As one member shared, “Instead of just knitting for the sake of knitting, it feels wonderful to know our work is helping others.”
The group has since grown in enthusiasm and spirit. With the support of their Activities Organiser, Kimberley, they’re hoping to welcome even more Ernest Rutherford residents to join them in their weekly gatherings.
A heartfelt thank you to Willy, Dawn, and all the talented knitters at Ernest Rutherford for their kindness and creativity. Your thoughtful gifts are wrapping others in warmth and compassion – one stitch at a time.
If you or someone you know has spare wool to donate, the ladies would be delighted to put it to good use.
