Knitting clothes for Nigerian children

KIND Cavan Social Services ladies making a difference

The fingers and knitting needles of the ladies in the Cavan Social Services knitting group may have somewhat idle during Covid times, but the sound of the ‘clickety clack’ and conversation once again fills the Orchard Bar function room on Wednesday afternoons.

Chairperson of Cavan Social Services, Gladys Donohoe, is delighted that the circle’s activities are back in full swing, hosted in the Orchard, while facilities at the John Sullivan Centre are being upgraded. There are typically around 35 members involved in the various activities.

“We are delighted to be back together, enjoying the knitting and the various other activities, including whist on Thursday evenings,” she said.

The co-ordinator of the knitting class is Marie Lynch who revealed the articles they are knitting will be sent to children in Nigeria.

“We have been knitting these garments and items for the past 20 years. This year we have already produced 120 blankets, 150 vests, 150 handbags, 150 teddy bears and little baby hats. All these have been packed and are ready to go out to Nigeria. We all enjoy coming together for the knitting. It is a great social evening and it is wonderful to be back after Covid,” said Marie.

“Each mother receives a blanket as she is leaving the hospital in Nigeria with her new born baby – it is often her only possession,” she added.

Gladys is proud to report that the meals on wheels service continued right throughout the pandemic every Thursday and Sunday. “We had brilliant volunteers that came out week after week and delivered the meals on wheels,” she said.

The Whist players returned in full flight on Thursday night and Gladys enthused that those members “love their whist”.