By Kyra Gillespie
Mary McGrath, of Beaconsfield, is battling homelessness one ball of wool at a time.
She, along with many other dedicated knitters, are taking part in the Guardian Angels Knitting Program, where from 1 June to 31 July this year, knitted garments including beanies, scarves, jumpers and gloves will be distributed through Vinnies shops and services in a bid to provide each of the 116,000 Australians experiencing homelessness and the three million in poverty with warm winter wear.
“I became a Guardian Angel because I like to care for people and help those less fortunate than myself,” Ms McGrath said.
“I’ve been involved in the program for quite a few years now. My husband has been the president of the local Vinnies for nearly ten years, so that’s how I got into it this year.”
Mary and her husband Ron have been living in Beaconsfield for nearly 37 years and will be celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary later this year.
The pair have volunteered their time for a number of organisations.
“My husband and I are caring people, we like to help out as much as possible.
“Through Vinnies we help provide things like rent assistance, vouchers for petrol, clothing, and grocery vouchers.”
Ms McGrath said family violence is one of the biggest contributors to domestic violence locally.
“Family violence is a terrible thing; we see so many women come through who have had to get away from violent partners with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
“Often there are children involved and they need a place to stay, as well as food and other day-to-day needs.
“I think some people don’t realise how bad it is. It’s been well written about in The Gazette but I still think there are a lot of people who don’t know, or choose not to know.
“Domestic violence is a terrible and sad thing. A little bit of help really goes a long way.”
The McGrath’s share three children and nine grandchildren.
While the kids were growing up, Mary worked at the tuck shop at the kids’ primary and secondary school.
When they moved to Beaconsfield Mary worked at the Commonwealth Bank for ten yeas.
Now that she’s retired, the 77-year-old gets together every second Tuesday with Craft Women Together.
The group used to be the Berwick Country Women’s Association.
“We took on a couple of projects when we finished as the CWA Berwick at the end of 2015 at Casey Hospital making trauma dolls and beanies for the prem babies.
“Last year we made over $500 for the Casey North Community Information Support Services (CISS) which helped women who couldn’t afford things like school books and uniforms for their kids.
“There are about 12 of us taking on the Guardian Angels Knitting Program and are always looking for more people to join.”
Beaconsfield Guardian Pharmacist, Chris Warne has been passionately leading his team of Guardian Angels since the program began 20 years ago and has watched the campaign evolve into what it is today.
“It’s about our community helping each other – our knitters don’t favour who they can help as long as it goes to someone that needs it,” Mr Warne said.
“I think the Guardian Angels Knitting Program has been such a success because it’s something those involved can do themselves as opposed to other initiatives – our customers are certainly proud in knowing that the woollen jumper they made will make a difference in someone’s life.”
For more information on the Guardian Angels knitting program and how you can get involved this year please visit https://www.guardianpharmacies.com.au/guardian-angel.
