Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary answered the call two months ago to knit cuddly teddy bears for children admitted into the local health care centre.
Now, the eight volunteers are also busy making hand muffs for those in the long term care facility who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
“The muffs keep their hands warm and provide tactile, visual and sensory stimulation,” said Chemainus Health Care Centre clinal nurse leader Anne Dawkes.
In total, 46 bears and muffs have been knitted by volunteers.
“The support that we receive from our auxiliary team is much appreciated by everyone at the health care centre,” Dawkes said.
Auxiliary volunteer Joan Allester said she regularly knits while watching television.
“It’s just something to keep our hands busy,” she said humbly.
Four more volunteers are joining the team of knitters in the new year.
“This is an at home project,” said Allester, who has made lap blankets and shruggies for the centre in the past.
“The fact that we’re helping the health care unit, that’s what we like to do.”