Local volunteers ‘the Sewing Angels’ have crafted a staggering number of items for the Hospice Shop in Alexandra, supporting the Otago Community Hospice (OCH). 

Long-time volunteer Gitty has hand knitted 992 pairs of baby socks.

They stay on wriggly babies' feet due to the design, and each $5 pair takes two hours to knit. 

Another volunteer has made thousands of robust fabric dog tug-toys from recycled t-shirts, which fetch just $2.

Other new high quality items such as jumpers and throws are made by the Alexandra Spinners and Weavers group. 

Merino company Glowing Sky is donating offcuts of fabric to the team. These are whipped up into winter weight and summer weight beanies in a range of sizes and colours.

Some of the hand made upcycled items, dog toys, baby booties and baby socks stocked by the Hospice Shop

Treasure hunters can find beautiful silverware and an early painting from New Zealand artist Peter Walker inside the shop. 

Fresh stock is out daily, including clothing, collectables, homewares, books and bric-a-brac - much at bargain prices. 

The Hospice has to raise $2.7M each year to maintain its service across Otago – ensuring that anyone needing specialist palliative care gets that care no matter where they live, no matter what illness they have, and no matter what their age. 

There are 245 volunteers working for 723 hours in this region each week. There are five shops in Otago - as well as Alexandra there are Hospice shops in Dunedin, Mosgiel, Milton and Oamaru.

The Alexandra shop is staffed by approximately 30 volunteers and more are needed.

Alexandra’s Hospice Shop is at 13 Ennis St, near Eat Humble Pie

If you would like to become a volunteer contact (03) 473 1012 or use this online form.

If you would like to donate anything to the shop please contact (03) 448 6956.

OCH supports around 250 Otago people at any given time, with more than 820 patients cared for each year.

For more on the Otago Community Hospice see their website.