Big Knit fundraising event is launched for Age Action Ireland

KNITTERS and crocheters all over Dublin are being asked to knit 100,000 little hats in a fundraising effort for Age Action. 

For every hat received by innocent Drinks Ireland, 30c is donated to Age Action.

Age Action, Ireland’s leading advocacy organisation for older people raises awareness of the valuable contribution older people make to society and advocates for the rights of all older people.

From now until July 31, innocent and Age Action are calling out to veteran knitters and newcomers alike, to grab their knitting needles and get clacking for this brilliant cause. 

Caroline O'Connell, Head of Fundraising at Age Action, said: “The Big Knit is one of Age Action’s longest running fundraising campaigns, raising vital funds for our work as well as generating awareness of the issues facing older people. 

“At the heart of the campaign is the idea that anyone can help an older person stay well and warm during the more difficult winter months simply by knitting a hat.  

“Many older people struggle over the colder months and this campaign helps Age Action to be there for older people when they need us most; whether they need information or small repairs done to their homes to help them be winter ready, the Big Knit helps us to deliver that service.”

Laura O’Connell, Communities Specialist at innocent, said they are really proud of the Big Knit and what it does to help older people stay warm and well in winter. 

“Over the years we’ve worked with Age Action and the generosity of each Irish knitter around the country is truly overwhelming and fills us with a great sense of pride,” said Ms O’Connell. “And, of course, it’s always nice to get a nation knitting.”

Winnie O’Doherty, star knitter for the Big Knit and a member of an Age Action knitting group that meets in the Age Action Store on Camden Street every week, said: “I love knitting with the Age Action knitting group. I’ve been coming here nearly every week for the last nine years. I like the company. We’re great friends and we have a good natter. We really understand each other and give each other some good tips, not only on knitting!”

Speaking at the launch, TV presenter Brendan Courtney said: “Myself and my mum Nuala are thrilled to be part of the Age Action innocent Big Knit 2019. 

“Knitting circles are popping up all over the country which is a great way to keep communities connected especially when they bring young and old together. 

“The beauty of these little hats is that they don't have to be catwalk standard – just knitted with care for our older friends and family.” 

Over the past 10 years the Irish public knitted an astonishing 490,000 hats and helped raise €170,000 for Age Action.   

From October 2019, the nation’s little hats will appear on innocent smoothie bottles (250ml) across the country. For each bottle sold wearing a little hat, innocent Drinks will donate 30 cent to Age Action.

Hats can be sent to The Big Knit 2019, innocent drinks, Fruit Towers, 2 Ballsbridge Park, Dublin 4 or dropped into any of Age Action’s shops or offices in Dublin.