As Easter approaches, you can find boxes of Knitted Novelties within local businesses in Lincolnshire, for a suggested donation of £3. These unique, decorative novelties enclose everyone’s favourite treat, a crème egg, and all proceeds raised go towards supporting St Barnabas.
Each year, Fiona and Deborah, Community Fundraisers for St Barnabas, engage with the local community to inspire volunteers and supporters to knit creations, donate eggs, or host a box of Knitted Novelties. Anywhere from local shops, pubs, cafés, schools, and individual businesses can request a box.
St Barnabas volunteers, Rosje and Barbara, support the Fundraising Team by knitting novelties, liaising with local businesses, and helping to keep places topped up with the knitted creations.
Barbara, Sleaford volunteer, says: “It was Glenis, another St Barnabas volunteer, who first started the campaign in Sleaford around 10 – 12 years ago. She once spotted three knitted rabbits in a magazine and thought, “I can do better,” and that’s how it all began. Her speciality now is knitting rabbits with waistcoats!”
Though Glenis originally started on her own, other volunteers like Barbara soon got involved and there’s now a well-established Sleaford volunteer group supporting the Knitted Novelties campaign, supplying around 25 different local outlets.
Rosje, Grantham volunteer, said: “I’ve got Knitted Novelties documents from Grantham dating back to 2010 – it’s certainly been around a long time and has adapted over time.
“One year we created minions, and they went down incredibly well. We’ve since found that, in Grantham, the quirky, unique knitted creations perform best – we’ve been making unicorns recently!”
Barbara adds: “There are lots of different creations now as it’s gotten bigger. This year I’ve even seen rabbits holding carrots or footballs.
“They can be very therapeutic to create, and it is so good for wellbeing. It’s a great occasion for sitting around and having biscuits and a cup of tea.”
Sharing their advice for beginners, Barbara says: “Chickens are a good one to start off with, as they can be relatively simple to do. Whereas a rabbit can take around 2 hours to complete.”
As a local charity, we rely on the dedication of volunteers to help us provide vital care and support to our patients and their families. Without volunteers such as Barbara and Rosje, we could not continue to support the local community as we do.
Rosje comments: “Someone once said you’re not ‘just’ a volunteer, you’re spreading awareness of St Barnabas and helping to build the identity.”
Barbara says: “I wanted to support and volunteer with a worthwhile local charity. I think it’s amazing how many people are cared for by St Barnabas – the care is the very best you can have.
“People often say that they don’t know how to help, but by hosting fundraising initiatives or supporting fundraising campaigns like this, you are helping.”
We want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers and supporters who knit novelties, donate eggs or wool, and sell a box of novelties.
All funds raised go directly towards supporting the provision of vital Hospice care across Lincolnshire.
Keep an eye out for these adorable, knitted creations in local shops, cafes, and workplaces near you. Please note, these are decorative items only, not to be sold as toys.