A group of knitters in the nation’s capital has spent years stitching for fun, at the same time earning national recognition creating thousands of blankets and beanies to support those doing it tough in their local community.
The Calvary Haydon Knitting Group is a finalist in the 2025 Ageing Australia You Are ACE! Awards in the Volunteer Team category, celebrated for their compassion and contribution to both aged care and the wider community.
Over the past 15 years, the knitting session has become a beloved weekly ritual. What began with a few residents and volunteers has grown into a deeply meaningful community effort.
“I’ve probably sewn together over 500 blankets,” says longtime volunteer, Helen Lundy.
“I don’t do the hard part, I just bring them back, lay them out on the floor so everyone can admire them, and match up the colours so they look their best.”
“This finalist nomination is a powerful reminder of how much older people have to offer their communities,” says Tom Symondson, CEO of Ageing Australia.
“They’re choosing to share their time, skills and compassion to help others. Aged care communities are full of vibrant, kind and accomplished people who delight in the opportunity to give back.”
Reshmi Cox-Brogan, Leisure & Activities Coordinator at Calvary Haydon, says the group has long been close to her heart.
“I even learned to knit on YouTube just so I could better connect with the group,” she says.
“It became my heart and soul. There’s always been a real sense of purpose driving them, they know their work goes to people who truly need it.
“Knitting group has always been a happy group. Some come for the knitting, others for the tea and chats. We even have Gypsy the dog join us, and sometimes kittens too. It’s a real highlight of the week.”
The heavy, double-stranded wool blankets are donated to people experiencing homelessness through St Vincent de Paul’s Night Patrol and the Vinnies store in Dickson.
“It gets bitterly cold in Canberra,” says resident Judith Paterson, who joined the group in 2021 after arriving at Calvary during a COVID lockdown.
Judith began with beanies before graduating to full-sized strips.
“I didn’t think I could manage the double-stranded knitting at first. But now I’m doing all the clever stuff,” she says.
While they love giving back to the community, both Judith and Helen insist the group gives just as much back to them.
“Many of the women here have had incredible careers, teachers, nurses, designers,” Helen says.
“When people come into aged care, they can feel like they’ve stopped contributing. This group gives them something meaningful to do, something that’s valued and appreciated.
“They know that what they’re doing has value and is used and is cherished and really appreciated.
“The social side is just as important,” Judith adds. “You come in, maybe after a tough day, and there’s tea, cake, and company. You talk about everything and anything.”
