The IGKNITE (Knitting for Health and Wellbeing) initiative was established by the Rotary Club of Drysdale during the year 2017-18.

 

The project was started with two objectives in mind.

 

To knit and crochet beanies

 

- to support Australian Rotary Health, by promoting awareness about mental health in the community.  Funds raised are donated to the Lift the Lid on Mental Illness campaign.

 

- to donate items to Lifeline which could be sold to raise funds for suicide prevention.

 

Project Outcomes to Date

 

These two objectives were achieved, with nearly 600 beanies being processed in 2017-18, Since then we have broadened the project to donate, not just to Lifeline, but other (mental) health and wellbeing related causes in our community.

 

Recipients

 

- Lifeline Geelong and Barwon Region

- Victims of St Patrick's Day bushfires in SW Victoria

- Purple House (kidney dialysis patients in Alice Springs)

- Geelong Mums

- Salvation Army

- Anam Cara (Hospice in Geelong for End of Life care)

 

IGKNITE Promotes Rotary in the Community

 

IGKNITE promotes Rotary to the community, providing people with a window to what Rotary does in the world.  Individuals can derive satisfaction from being actively involved in a Rotary project.  They may choose to become a Rotarian or a Friend of Rotary, where they can gain great satisfaction from donating their time and talents.

 

The Rotary Club of Drysdale has formed a valuable partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries, running a knitting club once a month at Drysdale Library (Hancock Street, Drysdale) which has been extremely successful.
 

Forthcoming IGKNITE in the Library Events

 

14 December 2019   2-4pm

18 January 2020   2-4pm

22 February 2020   2-4pm 

 

Collection of Unwanted Yarn, Patterns and Accessories
 

Not only do we knit, we also collect unwanted yarn, patterns, accessories (eg. needles, crochet hooks) that can be passed on to IGKNITE members to create items or donated to Lifeline op shops to raise funds.  Most knitters and crocheters have a ‘stash’.  If you are planning a clear-out, we are happy to take any unwanted yarn/materials off your hands and see that they go to a good home.

 

Get Involved!

 

Drysdale Rotary promotes IGKNITE as widely as we can.  We welcome knitters and crocheters from near and far.  We have received donations from as far away as Denmark.

 

If your Rotary club would like to introduce IGKNITE into your community, we would love to hear from you! 

 

Contact: admin@drysdalerotary.org.au

 

If you wish to send items, please forward them to: 

Rotary Club of Drysdale
PO Box 123
Drysdale Vic 3222

Att: PP Catherine Eagleson