A knitting initiative supporting a warmer community

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A knitting initiative supporting a warmer community

Friday, 18 June 2021

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The School of Business and Law (SBL) Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) and Sustainability Steering Committee, creates and joins multiple initiatives throughout the year which align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

For the second year in a row, the SBL PRME group joined the initiative to help knit warm winter clothes and accessories from donated wool for homeless people in our community. Dr Judy Lundy, who is part of the committee and a lecturer in School of Business and Law, brought the initiative to light last year when she saw a community group asking for volunteers on social media.

“I saw a community group calling for knitters to use donated wool to knit for the homeless and brought the idea to the Committee,” says Judy.

With 2020’s success of no less than 35 beanies, scarves and mittens knitted and donated by the committee and its’ family and friends, to continue in 2021 was warmly welcomed. This year, even more School of Business and Law colleagues joined the initiative.

One of them, School Officer and eminent knitter since primary school, Jan McDonald, says she used to knit so tightly that she broke many of her mum’s needles.

“I have made many things since then, from jumpers, scarves and beanies, to even a barbie dress. I took my knitting on holiday to a small village in Lombok called Gurapuk a few years ago, and I have some wonderful memories of showing the children there how to knit. I am very pleased to be able to contribute in a small way this year to the SBL PRME knitting initiative for those in need, and look forward to continuing my support next year.”

This time, Jan’s knitted items, together with the rest of the team’s creations, will be distributed to homeless people by charities such as Seeds of Hope and other local community organisations.

Other members of the PRME Committee Dr Mehran Nejati, PRME Director, and Dr Greg Willson, Course Coordinator Hospitality and Tourism, both agree this initiative has been fruitful on many levels. Not only have they learnt a newfound skill, but they have also been able to include family and friends in supporting an important cause.

“The initiative to knit for homeless people is one of a number of initiatives the Committee is working on to make a difference in a diverse range of areas aligned with the UNSDGs.” Judy finishes.

Read more about the School of Business and Law PRME Committee here.

School of Business and Law