IT’S KNITTING needles at the ready as Canterbury’s Royal Marines Association appeals for volunteers to give soldiers’ gifts a personal touch by knitting 2,000 woollen hats to send to Afghanistan.
Since 2006, the association has been sending an ever increasing number of shoe boxes packed with food, toiletries and messages of support to troops stationed in Afghanistan.
In 2008, organisers are looking to send more goodies than ever before, including more than 2,000 woollen hats, knitted by volunteers.
Welfare officer of the Canterbury branch Anne-Marie Taylor said: “This year I thought it would be nice to include a personal item in these boxes that were handmade such as knitted hats.
“They are quick and easy to make and would be a morale booster as the soldiers would know that people had taken the time and effort to make them especially for them.
“I’ve had loads of letters from Afghanistan and one Royal marine even took the time to phone me from Afghanistan and thank me in person which was a real tear-jerker when you consider the conditions they are under.”
The association is looking for volunteers to create the hats needed for the boxes, as well as anyone who can donate wool and other goods that can help fill them.
Mrs Taylor said: “Last year my house and garage were full to the brim with donations from all over the country. Shortbread from Scotland, crisps from Devon, hand wipes from Wales, toothpaste from Norfolk and tea from Yorkshire, to name but a few.”
This year the Royal Engineers have allowed the volunteers to use a storage room at Brompton Barracks in Gillingham, so there is more room for donations.
As well as being a personal reminder of people back home, the hats will serve a practical purpose. The temperature in Afghanistan varies wildly at different times of year and the average temperature in Kabul is minus eight degrees, with recorded temperatures as low as minus 20.
Even in March it is often just above freezing. For camouflage purposes, the knitted hats must be made from dark wool, either dark green, navy, black or brown.
The Royal Marines Association also sends pallets of Cup-a-Soups to Afghanistan, and holds several fundraising events throughout the year.
To get involved email anne@annemarietaylor.force9.co.uk or call Anne-Marie on 01634 868704.
POSTED: 26/03/2008 12:00:00
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