After NSW battled an unprecedented bushfire season, Orange knitting groups have collaborated to donate handmade blankets to victims.
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Wrap With Love coorindator for the Kenna Hall Knitters Sue Moffatt said the group have made more than 100 blankets with the help of the Orange Purlers and they will be distributed to those who need it most.
"As we have so many handmade knitwear, we are thrilled our knitting can go to the bushfire victims," she said.
"The work from the knitting volunteers is incredible because they make the items with love and care and I'm glad it will be going towards a good cause."
Mrs Moffatt said she noticed on the Givit website there was a need for blankets to support the Lithgow, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains communities through Step by Step Recovery Support Service.
"Manager Anne Crestani from the service will drive from Blaxland to Orange to pick up the blankets on her ute and we're going to fit as many as we can," she said.
"Some of the people impacted by the bushfires are now living in caravans, sheds and tents due to their homes being destroyed or damaged and they will need warm winter blankets."
Mrs Moffatt also commended the efforts of the Kenna Hall Knitters and Orange Purlers for producing a mass amount of blankets.
"There's approximately 40 dedicated knitters from the Orange groups all ranging from 70 years of age to 90," she said.
"The one thing I admire about the volunteers is that they aren't fussed about where the knitwear will go whether it be to the local community or to others in need.
"They knit because they love doing it and want to help out communities in the best way they can."
Step by Step Recovery Support Service manager Anne Crestani said she was pleased to receive a message from Mrs Moffatt to help the bushfire affected communities.
"With the coronavirus pandemic, I feel as if the focus has shifted away from the victims of the fires but with this donation it reassures them they haven't been forgotten," she said.
"The blankets are a stepping stone to recovery because not only is it beautiful and tangible but it gives people a sense of social connection and instant comfort."
Ms Crestani said the major of the people have not only lost their foundations of bricks and mortar, but also their sense of safe, community and recovery.
"The bushfires has contributed to significant losses for many aspects of people's lives," she said.
"We will be seeing a surge of trauma over the next couple of months and years as communities begin to rebuild but we will do the best we can to support them."
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