As the nights draw in, and the days get shorter, we are all looking for something positive to do with our time. Whether you are living alone, or with children, knitting is a pastime that all ages can enjoy.
Genesis Homes has partnered with Morrisons and The Salvation Army to raise money by encouraging people to knit small scarves (45 x 5cm) to put on the top of bottles and hand sanitisers to sell through Morrisons stores (starting with Penrith initially).
The fund raising will support the valuable work that the charity does in helping to feed local people who are facing hardship during these tough times. The number of people the charity is now helping with food donations has increased considerably since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and they are expecting the numbers to continue to rise as we go through a second lockdown.
Nicky Gordon, MD for Genesis Homes said ‘We are coming at this from three angles. Firstly, to get people knitting and to feel that they are helping a local charity as a lot of older people feel isolated during lockdown and this is a great way to get them involved and support the vital work of The Salvation Army.
“Secondly, to raise money by getting people to buy the bespoke scarves for Christmas presents and to make festive that bottle of hand sanitiser that we all have in our shops and offices. The third area is to save on waste by not wrapping bottles up for Christmas presents. We have contacted a lot of local schools to encourage children to get knitting for the charity and to teach these practical skills to younger generations.”
Major Carole Donaldson, Penrith Salvation Army added: “We have worked with staff at Genesis Homes throughout the pandemic and they’ve been a great support to us as we have served our community. Since the first lockdown we have been making socially distanced visits to people struggling with isolation or who are far away from family members or a support network to ensure they know someone cares. We have delivered emergency food parcels and hot meals, some to those struggling to make ends meet or who are missing out on social activities at our church.
“This Christmas we will be sharing Christmas joy and practical support with vulnerable families and older people as we do each and every year and we appreciate the partnership with Genesis Homes and Morrisons in helping us raise vital funds to support this continuing work. We look forward to our supporters, many of whom are living alone, getting involved.”
Imogen Dodd, Degree Apprentice at Penrith Morrisons said: “We are really excited by this idea as it is a creative and fun way to involve all sectors of our local community. The additional money will certainly help support a charity that is close to our hearts here at Morrisons.”
Genesis Homes plans to organise and promote a ‘wear your scarf to work/school/around the house day’ on Friday 4th December to raise further funds.
The recommend size of scarf is 45 x 5cm.
Further details can be found in Penrith Morrisons store or at www.genesis-homes.co.uk
Donations of scarves need to be left with Morrisons customer services for 72 hours before they can go in the ‘buy’ box.
