Beanies donated for brain cancer

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WANDONG Lions Club president Marilyn Moore has knitted and donated more than 1000 items to Northern Health Foundation with the help of many volunteers from across the shire.

Some of the items – mostly beanies, toys and blankets will also go to the Maskell family – a family who have been personally affected by brain cancer.

Karina and Dave Maskell along with their children Jenna and Blake will sell the donated knitted items to raise money for the cause.

“We have done a lot of fundraising since Jenna’s diagnosis,” Ms Maskell said.

“We will be selling the beanies at the Wallan market on August 10 to raise funds, the donation has been great.

Josie Verga, Nora Waghorne, Christine McGowan, Marilyn Moore, Karin Matters, Dave and Karina Maskell with their children Blake and Jenna gather celebrate the donation of 1000 beanies to Northern Hospital and to the Maskell family. ​

“We’re a shy family, so to receive this much attention has been a little overwhelming, but we’re glad we are drawing attention for the foundation.”

Ms Moore said the beanie project had been going on for 12 months.

“Two years ago I received seven bales of wool from a knitting mill that was closing down,” Ms Moore said.

“I sorted it out, wound it up and separated the wool into little bags with instructions – many volunteers have helped out and have helped knit over 1000 beanies,

“I’ve had a lot of help, many volunteers have knitted beanies – they’ve come from Seymour, Heathcote, Wandong – all over the place, it’s been wonderful.”

Northern Health representatives met with Wandong Lions Club members to accept the donation – the health service will also make use of the beanies by donating them to sick patients.

Northern Health Foundation director Yvonne Amos said the donation would provide support and comfort to patients and help with fundraising for Northern Health’s cancer services.

“This project is yet another example of the community joining forces to support families impacted by cancer in their local community, as well as helping Northern Health to raise funds for cancer services. Thank you to Marilyn Moore, Wandong Lions Club and the many volunteers who helped make this possible,” Ms Amos said.