Residents and team members at HC-One’s Cold Springs Park Care Home in Penrith, Cumbria, are celebrating the wonderful impact of one resident’s favourite pastime, knitting, which has found a new purpose thousands of miles away in Africa.
Irene Tod, age 93, a much-loved resident at Cold Springs Park, has always enjoyed knitting. Since moving into the home, she has kept up her hobby, spending time each day creating colourful knitted squares. Before long, her collection of squares had grown into the hundreds, each one carefully made with patience and love.
Looking for a meaningful way to put her mother’s creations to use, Irene’s daughter Sheilagh reached out to the international charity
Blankets for Baby Rhinos. The charity supports wildlife sanctuaries across Africa, caring for orphaned and injured rhinos and elephants. Volunteers collect knitted squares and stitch them into beautiful, warm blankets to wrap around the young animals, offering comfort and protection.
The charity was delighted to receive Irene’s contribution, and her knitted squares are now being transformed into blankets that will help vulnerable baby rhinos and elephants thrive.
Sean Moore, Senior Wellbeing Co-ordinator at HC-One’s Cold Springs Park Care Home, expressed his admiration for Irene’s efforts, saying:
“This might be one of the loveliest things I’ve seen from our homes, a great use of Irene’s hobby and brilliant thinking by her daughter. Well done to you all, it’s amazing.”
This heart-warming initiative has not only given Irene’s hobby a new purpose but has also inspired fellow residents and team members at Cold Springs Park. Many have commented on how wonderful it is to see a much-loved pastime making such a global difference.
At HC-One, staff are committed to supporting residents in continuing to enjoy their passions and hobbies, and Irene’s story is a shining example of how the smallest of actions can have the biggest of impacts. Her knitted squares, stitched together with care and compassion, are now helping to keep orphaned animals safe and warm, while bringing pride and joy to her family and the Cold Springs Park community.
To learn more about HC-One’s Cold Springs Park Care Home or to find a care home near you, please visit
www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes.