On Tuesday we came together for a special morning to celebrate and acknowledge the amazing work of our knitters and sewers. We are deeply grateful for the time and effort each of you puts into your craft, and this morning was all about expressing our heartfelt thanks.
Our event started with a lovely morning tea, providing everyone with a chance to catch up and share stories. We were honoured to have Minister Kiwi Taranaki open the event with a special prayer, bringing a sense of peace and connection to all in attendance. You can read this prayer at the end of this post.
As the event got underway, our Foundation staff introduced themselves and shared a bit about their roles within the charity and their lives at home. This was a great opportunity for our community to get to know the team better and brought us all closer together.
We introduced our wonderful new volunteers, Janine and Christine, who have taken over the responsibility of sorting and packing donations. They had big shoes to fill following the retirement of Marion and Aileen, but they have taken to the role, loving it and doing a fantastic job. Our community of knitters and sewers welcomed them well!
We were fortunate to hear from Nurse Rebecca, who shared beautiful stories of where our volunteers' knitting and sewing efforts make a difference. From babies in the NICU who need warm hats when they are held for the first time to mothers who are in desperate need of clothing for their children, these creations provide comfort and support in crucial moments.
Foundation staff member Ata also spoke about his own experience of spending 108 days in the NICU with his baby girl, who is now a strong and healthy eight-year-old who loves to dance. His story was a powerful testament to the impact of our volunteers' work and the positive difference it makes in the lives of others.
The Breast Cancer Care team expressed their gratitude for the sewers' donations, which bring much-needed comfort to breast cancer patients, as well as colorectal cancer patients. The palliative care team also thanked the sewers for the colourful bags that help patients store their medication and bring a touch of brightness to their day. Patients love the patterns and colours that match their personalities and make their lives a little bit easier.
The event was a beautiful opportunity to thank our generous community for their unwavering efforts, love, and donations. Their contributions play a vital role in supporting those in need and making a tangible difference in their lives.
Minister Kiwi Taranaki's prayer
Almighty and most gracious God.
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the talents You have bestowed upon your people, especially the gift of knitting and sewing.
Today, we lift up in prayer all those who tirelessly knit and sew for the many whaanau who are in need pouring their love and skill into every stitch.
Bless their hands as they work, weaving threads of compassion and warmth into each garment they create. May their needles be guided by Your grace, bringing comfort and hope to those in need.
Grant them patience in their craft, perseverance in their mission, and joy in their service. Help them to find fulfillment in knowing that their labour of love makes a difference in the lives of others.
We ask for Your protection shielding them from fatigue and discouragement. Surround them with a community of support and encouragement, reminding them that their work is valued and appreciated.
May the blankets, clothing and accessories they create be more than just items, may they be symbols of Your love and provision, wrapping recipients in Your warmth and care.
We also lift up the Middlemore Foundation, its staff, volunteers, and all those they serve. May they continue to be a beacon of hope and healing in their community, extending Your love to those who need it most.
In Your name, we pray. Amen