Beanie Tree to support locals in need

THREE local community groups have teamed up “to pay it forward” this Christmas by combining their skills to knit and crochet 173 special beanies for patients at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

The Beanie Tree initiative is a combined collaboration between the Portarlington Community Association (PCA), the Bellarine Women’s Network and Andrea Clements who owns the fine textile studio, Yarn Me Calm.

The hand-made beanies constructed tree was launched by Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant MP and the three community groups at the Portarlington Bendigo Bank last Friday.

Ms Marchant said she was “always thrilled by collaboration for apurpose in our Bellarine communities” and to participate in something benefitting the wonderful work of the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

Yarn Me Calm studio owner, Andrea Clements said the project was all about “community, collaboration and care.”

“We really wanted to showcase the amazing creativity in our community and how we can all work together to create something beautiful that has purpose,” she said.

“So many of our sensational community members have contributed their time to creating the beanies for the tree knowing that while we all get to enjoy it in the lead up to Christmas, the work and care put into creating the beanies will be paid forward to those who need them.”

Bellarine Women’s Network president, Karen Coulson said the initiative perfectly fitted the ethos of the group and its mission statement.

“We were thrilled to be approached for this project and to create these wonderful beanies,” she said.

“The purpose of this group is to connect the women on the Northern Bellarine Peninsula and our mission is to develop supportive relationships and benefits for the wider community.

“With over 80 women coming along to our monthly get-togethers, we can tap into the talents and generosity of our group.

“Our members got busy creating and had looked forward to the launch of this unique collaboration.”

PCA president, Di Kolomeitz added her support of the Beanie Tree and said it “perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Christmas and community collaboration.”

The tree can be seen in the window of the Newcombe Street bank over the entire festive season.