Knitted blankets and garments have never been so needed in Ukraine, and local knitters are doing their bit to supply them.

Energy cuts caused by Russia’s bombardment of Ukraine’s infrastructure, combined with freezing cold winter weather, have been life-threatening for many Ukrainians.

Cromwell has 25 ‘Operation Cover Up’ volunteer knitters clicking their needles to help alleviate some of the suffering.  

Jill McColl is one of three coordinators in Cromwell who work with volunteers, distributing donated wool, sewing up garments and organising the transportation of the finished products.

The finished blankets, jerseys, hats, gloves and toys are transported to Invercargill free of charge by Cromwell company, Move Freight.

Branch manager Scott Colmore said they like to help where they can.

“When we saw how we could help, we jumped in.”

Locals are making a difference in Ukraine.

Knitting the blanket strips is within reach of any basic knitter, Jill says. Each strip is about 50 stitches wide and 1.5m long, all in garter stitch.

Once in Invercargill, the knitted goods are compressed into wool bales by volunteers, and the bales are shipped to Amsterdam and distributed by Mission Without Borders.

“It’s really important to us to know the blankets are getting to where they’re going with no chance of corruption,” coordinator Kaye Moore said.

Donated wool is gratefully received - 100 per cent wool is preferred, but a 70/30 blend is OK.

Operation Cover Up is a New Zealand programme started over 20 years ago, managed by registered charity Mission Without Borders.

It started in Taupo as a prayer request for 67 blankets for a Moldovan Orphanage and has steadily grown to more than 143,000 blankets and countless other items.

You can help by becoming a volunteer knitter or by making a donation to help with shipping costs. Contact Jill McColl 03 445 0628 or Carolina Merrilees 021 293 1850 if you would like to make a difference in Ukraine.

PHOTOS: The Central App