YARNZ knitting for Jigsaw charity

The central city knitters called YARNZ have chosen their charity for this year. Photo / Paul Brooks

YARNZ Whanganui is a knitting group - a strong core of dedicated knitters who produce garments and knitted goods for charity.

Last Wednesday, in a well-attended occasion at the Women's Network in St Hill St, they announced their chosen charity of the year - Jigsaw Whanganui.

YARNZ has grown out of the Kelly Scarrow-led Gonville Knitting Group based at the Gonville Library and Cafe. Over the years that group has worked tirelessly for charities and organisations that needed their help: Tawhero, Castlecliff and Aramoho schools, Plunket, Birthright Whanganui, Women's Network and Women's Refuge. Several thousand garments were made by the loving hands of this talented group of people.

When Kelly changed jobs last year, leaving the Gonville Library for the Mainstreet office in Ridgway St, it was decided that the original group had outgrown its space and that a second location would be needed. Up stepped Carla Donson who offered a large room at the Women's Network, based in the Ladies Rest building next to the Royal Whanganui Opera House.

Now there are two inspired, dedicated knitting groups. Gonville continues in a new direction, working more specifically within their own community, but still available to assist with charitable projects when able.

The central group has now been officially named YARNZ - Whanganui Charity Textile Group, operating under the leadership of Kelly Scarrow. They have also retained their strong relationship with the talented knitters of Upokongaro School.

Last Wednesday, as well as announcing their intended charity, they also launched the name and their new website - yarnzwhanganui.com

"Every year we partner up with an organisation that meets the needs of our community in a variety of ways," says Kelly.

"So this year I'm proud to announce that Jigsaw Whanganui is our charity of choice."
Tim Metcalfe, Jigsaw chief executive was at the meeting.

"Not only will you be coming and seeing us every now and then, Tim, but you're going to be receiving some amazing knitted and crocheted garments," says Kelly.

"Warm greetings to the knitting group and to Upokongaro School ... very appreciative of this opportunity because at Jigsaw we engage with about 250 families, largely around parenting," says Tim.

"When Kelly and I were talking about this project, it was important that it be reciprocal and a way of building relationships."

Tim acknowledged support from Upokongaro School, particularly at White Ribbon Day, and now with knitting.