It is National Knitting Week from the 6th - 12th October, so for all of the knitters out there we've found a range of great ways you can help charities just by picking up your wool and needles!
The Donkey Sanctuary is appealing for willing volunteers to help them raise funds by knitting their own Woolley the donkey. Each hand made donkey is sold either in their visitor's centre or in their online gift shop as a way to generate funds for the charity. They believe each Woolley is unique, just like the donkeys at the sanctuary. To make your own, all you have to do is visit their website and request to receive the pattern.
Age UK is calling all knitters from around the country to get involved in their campaign to help end fuel poverty. They would like people to knit mini homes which they will exhibit during Cold Homes Week in February. The aim of the exhibition is to start a conversation with MPs about how to make homes more energy efficient, and in turn help older people's health during the winter months. Age UK are also holding a competition to see who can create the best knitted home, so what are you waiting for!
Sometimes misconceptions surrounding certain breeds of animal can make it harder for them to be re-homed. This is why Battersea is asking supporters to take part in their campaign 'Staffies. They're softer than you think.' All you need to do is buy the knitting pattern for £2 and then create your very own loveable Staffie dog. They ask that you send them a photo of your knit work afterwards and try to display your woollen friend in a prominent place, as this may help to raise awareness.
The Big Knitathon is an annual event held by The Big Issue Foundation to help raise money for their Vendor Services Team. In the last two years the event has raised approximately £20,000 for the charity. They ask that people get together on the 1st of November and take part in a sponsored knitathon, you can either hold your own event or join in with a local group. It's a great way to raise money, celebrate your knitting skills, and spend time with new or existing friends. Find out more about the event here.
The Big Knit is an annual joint campaign which is run by Age UK and innocent drinks, and aims to help vulnerable older people. You knit the little woolly hats, they get worn by innocent drink smoothie bottles, and then 25p of every drink sold goes to Age UK. They are aiming to get 800,000 knitted this year, so get clicking! Find out more about the event here.
