The third annual Winter Woollies campaign launched in September 2024, and we are pleased to share that residents of Antrim and Newtownabbey have donated an amazing 1,662 knitted and crocheted items.
Seeking to make the campaign more sustainable, and to support the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing model, the Council’s Environmental Health section organised a Wool Drive during the summer of 2024. This initiative successfully diverted over 1,000 balls of wool, along with knitting needles and crochet hooks, from landfill. These materials were distributed to local community groups that create welcoming spaces to combat social isolation and encourage participants of all ages to connect, keep learning, stay active, take notice, and give back. Many of these groups used the donated wool to craft warm items, which were later contributed to the Winter Woollies campaign.
The donated items are distributed by 22 partner organisations that provide a range of support to vulnerable populations across the Borough. On 19 November 2024, all donated items were showcased at Mossley Mill, where representatives from the partner organisations joined the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, to celebrate the campaign’s success. During the event, the Mayor also selected his favourite items from the collection.
The Mayor commented on the campaign saying, “The quality of the items donated this year is outstanding and a testament to the incredible talent and creativity of our residents. Each piece represents the time, effort, and care that went into making it, and it’s heart-warming to see how much thought has been put into helping others. These donations will bring comfort and warmth to those who need it most, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this wonderful initiative.”
The event also included a Q&A session where representatives from partner organisations shared insights about how the Winter Woollies campaign benefits their work. Andrew Linton from Bridge Youth Centre, a recipient organisation said, “We are always in contact with young people who are in need and it is evident to us who will most benefit from receiving Winter Woollies. Thank you for including our young people in your campaign.’’
For more information about Winter Woollies, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/winter-woollies
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