Following the success of the Winter Woollies campaign last year which received over 500 handmade donations, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is delighted to relaunch this initiative for a second consecutive year.
As the temperature drops and the cost of heating rising this scheme calls on crafters to knit or crochet items to provide warmth and comfort to our residents during the chilly winter months.
Whether it’s crafting knitted or crocheted hats, scarfs or comforting blankets every handmade item will be a gift to someone in need, be it a baby or an older person and everyone in between. Regardless of you being a knitting expert or just getting started your contribution matters. You can craft on your own or team up with friends, classmates or a community group in order to get involved and support this worthy cause.
Donations may be dropped off at either Mossley Mill or Antrim Civic Centre, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, starting from Monday 2 October until Friday 17 November 2023. Please remember to leave your name, address and contact number with your donated item, to be in with an opportunity to be selected as a ‘Mayor’s Favourite Item’. Additionally, consider adding a heartfelt message, which will be passed on to the recipient of your handmade item.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper commented, “I am pleased to see this initiative returning for a second year and I know that these pieces are the result of a lot of hard work. I can’t wait to see the entries and look forward to selecting the winners.
I hope that this scheme will benefit both the recipients of the handmade warm clothing and that those crafting will also gain personal fulfilment, creative expression, and a sense of community engagement through their contribution.”
If you are unable to get to a donation drop off point please contact the Health and Wellbeing team who will gladly arrange to collect your item: T. 028 9034 0160 or E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
For further information you can also visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/winter-woollies