As more than 800kg of Bay of Plenty-knitted goodies are shipped across the world to warm Eastern Europeans, back here Operation Cover-Up’s co-ordinator needs her knitters to know about some new rules.
Western Bay of Plenty area co-ordinator Sharman Marsh said another successful annual collection of blankets and goods took place on July 2 in Tauranga. “A total of 815kg left on July 5 from the Bay of Plenty, bound for Eastern Europe,” said Marsh.
The shipped stock will go to a sorting centre in Romania where it will be distributed to Eastern European countries according to need. “These items will reach the hands of Eastern Europeans before Christmas, to keep them warm in their upcoming winter.”
Marsh said all contributors should pat themselves on the back. “My special thanks to Central Diesel Services for the use of a large van, Farmlands Tauriko for supplying wool packs,; Mainfreight for providing transport to Auckland, and Peter and Kerry Coster for baling [the knitted items],” said Marsh.
With Bay of Plenty knitters now furiously clicking needles for next July’s collection, Marsh said there are important new rules for the project that she needs crafters to be aware of.
“For our next season – with the WBOP Operation Cover-Up collection day scheduled for July 2026 – all knitters must know that we can only send garments that are sized for people aged 4-plus,” Marsh said. “We cannot accept any baby clothing.”
Marsh said new government regulations in the receiving countries now require all clothing in under-4-year sizing to be sourced from within the European Union.
“While not all countries we knit for are part of the EU, some are – and we fear all stock may be declined if we include anything smaller than size four,” said Marsh. “So please knit your hats and garments bigger this time.”
Marsh also reminded knitters that wool or wool mix is the preferred yarn for garments and blankets. “This is due to its warmth and water-wicking qualities. Please endeavour to use wool wherever possible. Acrylic can be used for sewing up, fancy edges and contrast patterning.”
Finally, Marsh asked BOP knitters to make blankets big enough to sleep under. “The recommended size is 160cm by 140cm. Smaller blankets will still be accepted, but the emphasis is on the larger size.”
All goods must be new, said Marsh. “We cannot send used goods due to customs regulations. However, used wool is perfectly fine to use to make a new garment.”
If knitters have any questions about the new rules, they can phone Marsh on 027 2454034 or email: tsmarsh@kinect.co.nz
“Please give me a call if a chat is helpful,” she said.