A beautiful collection of wraps was on display behind the speakers on the night. Angela Catterns, whose on-air tales of relearning to knit when she was hosting ABC Sydney radio’s breakfast program led to ten years of annual Knit-Ins in the foyer of the ABC building at Ultimo, was emcee for the evening.
Councillor Jess Miller opened the exhibition. The City of Sydney has provided sponsorship in the provision of the Alexandria Warehouse for the last nine years.
Sonia Gidley-King’s son and daughter recounted their memories of how their recently widowed mother was inspired to found Wrap with Love. She had had cancer surgery and in response to a television story about war and poverty in Mozambique decided to use wool left over from a school jumper she’d made her son to knit squares for a blanket as she recovered.
Banners interspersed between the colourful wraps also told the story that the wraps must not be bought, sold or traded but are received by 47 groups – local, national and international – to distribute to people in war torn countries, suffering from drought, famine or hardships of any kind. Already in 2017 three large orders have been dispatched – 2,000 for World Vision in Somalia, 350 to the Ukraine and another 2,000 for World Vision going to Zambia, Afghanistan and Burundi.
Over 30,000 volunteers have contributed over the years including Rosebery locals Helen and John Christian, who became involved at the Alexandria warehouse on Fridays because they were looking for an activity that they could participate in together. Helen helps in the back office while John logs in squares and completed wraps as they are delivered.
