Two and half years ago a friend asked Karen Croke if she would knit some beanies and scarves for the organisation that her friend volunteered for. Coming from a family of knitters, Karen was happy to oblige. From this simple beginning ‘Knitting for Brisbane’s Needy’ evolved.

What started as a favour for a friend has now spread from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast and recently into Lismore. From a group of three to over 200 members, Karen’s decision to start ‘Knitting for Brisbane’s Needy’ has provided over 12 200 donated and hand made items to various support agencies. A core group of 40 -50 women (and a couple of men) knit, crochet and sew everything from scarves, jumpers, beanies, gloves, bed socks and knee/elbow warmers to baby clothes, toys and angel gowns for still born babies. The group also makes up toiletry kits. They not only touch the lives of women, men, children and babies but also provide comfort to our four legged friends by knitting blankets, doggy jackets and joey pouches that are donated to places like Sippy Downs Animal Refuge.


When you talk to Karen and her husband Peter (who I suspect gets just as much enjoyment as her driver and support person) about what the group does, they immediately warm to the subject and are excited and proud of what the group accomplishes, especially their involvement in the ‘Homeless Connect’ day run by the Brisbane City Council and the ‘Festival of Hope’. They hand out the beautiful items created by the group to those who have very little in life. Peter states that there are only three rules the members need to abide by - we don’t sell any of the items, we keep it within Australia and we have fun.

Karen lives by the motto of ‘there by the grace of God, go I’, and says that you never know where life may take you. She has been touched by the stories of the men and women she has met and helped and understands just how fickle life can be. Pouring her heart into the items she knits is her contribution. Her reward is the gratitude and appreciation on the faces of the recipients of the gifts.

But the giving doesn’t stop there. The gift comes full circle when you hear Karen talking about how many women involved in the group have found lasting friendships. The monthly get togethers offer a social outlet and companionship. One Brisbane group meets in the home of a house bound lady bringing with them conversation and company. It isn’t surprising that some of the women, widowed and lonely have even stated that the group has given them something to live for. Karen said to me “It always seems to be those who don’t have much at all who tend to give to others”.

Although Karen has been successful in securing a couple of small grants, most of the wool needed by the group is donated. They utilise everything, even the smallest scraps. Administration, postal and delivery costs are covered by Karen and she dedicates her time and energy into producing a newsletter that keeps all the members in the loop. Donations of not only yarn, needles, etc but unused toiletries for the toilet bags and new toys (something as simple as a match box car can mean a great deal to a young child) are always welcomed and appreciated. Karen would also love a courier/trucking companies to donate time to do some deliveries every now and again to help with postage and petrol costs. New members are also embraced.

When asked if she had any goals or dreams for ‘Knitting For Brisbane’s Needy” Karen smiles softly and says that she will just go where it takes her, just has it has done from the beginning. One of the members has recently nominated Karen for the “Pride of the Australia award” (community service section) run by the Courier Mail and Sunday Mail. A well deserved nomination. I will keep you posted!