Helping others and giving back to the community has always been an integral part of everyday life at TriCare Mt Gravatt Retirement Village.
Over the years, residents have dedicated time and effort supporting many charities through craft, knitting, collecting and events.
Village Manager, Tammy Watt, says the residents never tire of getting involved and helping out where they can.
“A group of ladies meet in the sun lounge on the third Tuesday of every month and knit for a variety of causes such as Beanies for Sailors, Project Love and Care; even little jumpers for the fairy penguins!” said Ms Watt.
One project close to their heart is knitting squares for Queensland Fire & Rescue’s Trauma Blankets program.
Launched at TriCare Mt Gravatt in 2004, ladies have been knitting 18cm x 18cm squares of three colours, replicating the members’ shoulder patch colours, in dark blue, gold and red. The blankets have grown in size from 30 squares to 36 square blankets measuring to 108cm x 108cm.
The blankets are given to patients to keep after an incident such as a house fire or car accident, to provide warmth and comfort during a traumatic time. Since 2004, TriCare Mt Gravatt residents have knitted over 7,500 squares, contributing towards at least 250 blankets.
Graham Flude, a fire fighter with the Queensland Fire & Rescue, instigated the project with TriCare Mt Gravatt, with help from his mother, Nina Flude.
A keen knitter herself, Mrs Flude produced the blankets from 2004 – 2016.
“I would pick up the squares from the Village and deliver them to mum who would sew the squares together. It’s only recently that she has passed on the baton to resident’s at TriCare Mt Gravatt to sew the squares together.
“In the beginning, we thought we would only supply fire trucks in Brisbane South West Command, but since the team of knitters has grown, we now supply the whole Brisbane region with blankets,” said Mr Flude.
For further information please contact Village Manager, Tammy Watt on 07 3849 4358
