Maree is in her late 60s and has been knitting since she was ten. For the past five years the grandmother of six has been using her skills to help families with sick kids in hospital.
From her Home in Place unit in a suburb of Newcastle in the NSW Hunter region, Maree knits beanies, mittens, outfits, socks, slippers and the occasional blanket and donates them to John Hunter Children’s Hospital. Her daughter-in-law also takes some items down to the Randwick Children’s Hospital in Sydney every six months.
Maree is now knitting little items for premature babies as well as kids 12 months and up. She will often buy items she finds on sale to include with her parcels.
“I’ve lost count of the number of outfits I have made. It would be more than 100,” Maree said.
“I haven’t seen the babies in the clothes but knowing I am helping a family is very fulfilling,” she said.
“My grandkids don’t need many items now, so this keeps me knitting, which I love. It keeps me busy and my mind occupied.”
“Each time I go up to John Hunter to drop the items off, the staff tell me how appreciative people are. A week or so later I always get a card from the hospital thanking me for the donations.”
“Many families don’t expect their children will be in hospital or to have to stay for as long as some do. At least they have an outfit or item to wear home. It saves having to buy something.”
Maree’s 22-year-old grandson was in and out of hospital receiving successful treatment for cancer when he was seven. She said this gave her an understanding and empathy for the families for whom she now knits.
“Until then, I didn’t appreciate just how many kids end up in hospital for cancer and other illnesses. The number has grown since my grandson was there. Last time I was at John Hunter I asked the staff how many premature babies they were caring for. The nurse said they were busy but not full. But there were 30 babies.”
Maree has been a Home in Place tenant for around 15 years and in her current place she shares with her cat for almost four years. Home in Place team member Ellen praised Maree for being generous and such a good tenant.
Maree said that she likes to keep her place clean and tidy and be respectful.
“I am grateful that I have a place to call mine and I don’t have to pack up and move from one place to another. Having a safe and affordable roof over my head helps me to help others.”
