An Auckland garage is crammed with so much knitted babywear that help is needed to distribute it worldwide. Sophie Bond yarns with the organisers.
Zac Fryer is snuggled up in a sea of knitwear. His little fingers grasp a beanie as he presses it into his mouth with a happy gurgle.
Mum Corina Fryer has more than 1000 knitted beanies in her Torbay home, but only one baby. And it's not just hats.
Boxes overflow with blankets, jumpers and booties - all knitted and donated by nimble-fingered New Zealanders.
Mrs Fryer, who recently joined the Beanies for Africa effort, says a simple woollen hat can make a real difference to a child born into poverty.
"It wasn't until I had my little surprise that I realised what a difference [a beanie] can make to keep a child warm."
Fellow Torbay resident Louise Allnutt, whose mother knits baby beanies for a maternity hospital in Cape Town, set up the project in 2009.
Wanting to help the cause, Mrs Allnutt put out a call to Kiwi knitters.
"Originally, we were just doing it for South Africa, but the knitting was coming so thick and fast, that we've now partnered with Middlemore Hospital and send half the stuff there."
Since the knitters began, more than 4500 beanies have been distributed.
The women have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Kiwis who have sent money to help with postage and supplied bundle after bundle of neatly knitted babywear.
Some of the warming packages arrive anonymously. The women send messages of thanks whenever possible.
Mrs Allnutt is full of praise for the dozens of "incredible knitters".
"I only ever asked for beanies, but just look at that. Blankets, jerseys, booties."
Now the women need to distribute the clothes. They are seeking help from any voyaging Aucklanders who have spare space in their baggage allowance.
"The thrust last year was South Africa, but we realise travellers are going to other places where there's a need," says Mrs Allnutt.
A friend recently took 10kg of beanies to Nepal and another, bound for South Africa, packed a couple of hundred into his guitar case.
"Once overseas, the knitwear can be donated to any church or hospital happy to distribute them."
World warmth
Are you travelling to South Africa (or another destination where knitwear would be appreciated) with space in your luggage?
Email: info@montys.co.nz or see: www.facebook.com/babybeanies
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