Children receive dolls knitted by the community

The children receive their knitted dolls. Photo/Shauni James

A special morning tea was held this week where children from Stand Children's Services received special dolls knitted by members of the community.

The morning tea was held on Wednesday at Makoha Rest Home.

The dolls were knitted by members of the Rotorua Multicultural Tariro Knitters Group.

Faustinah Ndlovu, who initiated the group, says although she started the group under the Rotorua Multicultural Council, the members of the knitting group are from all walks of life.

"We have members with different abilities, ages, gender, and from different ethnic groups. Our eldest member is nearly 100 and the youngest is 3 years old."

She says they also have members with dementia, have suffered strokes or have brain damage.

"Everyone has their task to do depending on their ability."

She says it was quite emotional for her to see the children receive the dolls.

"Seeing where our dolls are going, it makes me feel that I am living my life to the fullest."

Faustinah says the dolls have been knitted with aroha and are sent with a great message of hope to the children.

About 12 children from the Stand Children's Services kapa haka group performed for those who attended the morning tea.

Moana Makiha, kaimanaki of the service's village, says they look after children that come from families which have got psychological or physical problems.

She says the children go to their village to learn skills and adapt to changes in their lives, with most of the children being with them for about five weeks.

Moana says they usually have about 28 children at a time from all over the North Island.

She thanks those at the morning tea for the opportunity for the children to perform and receive the dolls.

Rose Toia, a member of the knitting group, says the knitting has done wonders for her temper and keeps her calm as she can get lost in the activity.

"I think it's been a great thing for a lot of us."