Fast stitches: 13,000 euros for the good cause from Hanerau-Hademarschen

Fast stitches: 13,000 euros for the good cause from Hanerau-Hademarschen

There is a lot of heart and creativity in Hanerau-Hademarschen. The handicraft group “The Fast Stitches” has collected an impressive 13,000 euros in donations over the last six and a half years. The commitment of this group is a shining example of local solidarity. The group supports numerous valuable projects, including clinics, hospices, women's shelters and seriously ill people and those in need. As the SHZ reports, the initiative was launched by Waltraut Barnstedt in spring 2019. Inspired by a report about volunteer knitting for premature babies in Hamburg, the group started with just seven members. The social gathering at the monthly meetings is an integral part of the group.

Members' hardworking hands knit and crochet a variety of products: from socks to scarves to bags and backpacks. What is particularly remarkable is how the group remained creative during the Corona pandemic and met in a small group in the garden despite the restrictions. After the pandemic, the monthly meetings, which always take place on the first Monday of the month, took place again on a larger scale. The lovingly crafted goods are sold primarily at local festivals, such as the Spring Festival and the upcoming Star Magic Market on November 28th and 29th.

Be there for each other

The financial resources generated are not only impressive, but also charitable. In the first year, 1,000 euros went to the “Haus Porsefeld” hospice in Rendsburg. The group also remained active in the following years: a further amount of 1,000 euros was donated in 2020 for the outpatient and youth hospice service in Rendsburg. The group's big heart is also reflected in its support for Ukraine with a donation of 500 euros for aid transport as well as in numerous other campaigns, from animal-assisted therapy to support for the “Hademarscher Tisch”.

But the group is not the only one committed to good causes. Sister M. Benitia Schmidt has been doing handicrafts for a good cause for 45 years now. At the age of 85, she looks back on a fulfilling life full of creativity and selflessness. Like the website of Michaelmas Hospices reports, their involvement began in 1977 with a bazaar to support projects in Peru. Her passion for knitting developed when she became active in her convent in Salzgitter and created numerous handmade products together with Sister Isidora. She knitted hats, scarves and baby booties for various good causes, including the Michaelis Hospice in Hildesheim, where she currently works.

A strong network

The appreciation of Sister Benitia's work is great. Dr. John G. Coughlan, Managing Director of the Michaelis Hospice, praises the sisters' commitment and emphasizes how important the support is for the nursing staff in the hospice. What stands out: This sensible combination of manual work and humanity unites many people and initiates a wave of willingness to help. The opportunities to auction or purchase handmade goods not only offer a great opportunity to show off your creativity, but also strengthen the sense of community in the region.

In Hanerau-Hademarschen and beyond it is clear how strongly social projects belong to the community. In the coming weeks there will be no shortage of opportunities to become an integral part of this wonderful initiative - be it at the Star Magic Market or at the Christmas tree felling in Eggstedt on December 7th and 14th. Knowledge and good deeds are combined here with a warm “togetherness”.

Orders for the lovingly knitted products can be made by calling 04872/1017. This means everyone can do something good and at the same time bring home a handmade piece.