Many thanks to the knitters and sewers of Whitchurch, Hampshire; Kidderminster, Birmingham; and Ireland who provide us with thousands of hats, vests, blankets and swaddling sheets each year. Without these essential items we would not be able to offer effective immediate neonatal care to the babies born at Azur Health Centre and our rural clinics in Runga and Kyarushesha. Simply drying the baby at delivery and keeping the baby warm will significantly improve the baby’s wellbeing.
It can be a struggle to take the handmade items out with us each time due to baggage restrictions on the airlines, however, by asking our volunteers to come hand luggage only we can usually get four boxes out each time we go.
Judging by the large volume of goods provided by these knitters and sewers, I don’t think they ever put their needles down. The local mothers love the knitwear we take out for their babies, especially when we come with teddies.