Warm idea: Pat Tullberg, Liz Gregory, Sue Johnson and Chris Jenkins knitted 351 beanies at Martha Cove Retirement Village. Picture: Gary Sissons

A CREATIVE idea that “sort of just snowballed” led to residents at Martha Cove Retirement Village knitting 351 beanies which, when sold to visitors, raised $870 for cancer research and care of the homeless.

The idea came about after resident Sue Johnson and 34 other women – feeling isolated and unable to go out because of COVID-19 restrictions – decided to put their free time to good use.

They knitted colourful beanies which were displayed and sold for $5 each over three days at the village.

“We all really enjoyed doing it,” Ms Johnson said.

“There was lots of excitement when someone sold a beanie. Some visitors even said, $5 wasn’t enough and bought two for $20.”

Three feature hats for bowls, golf and scenes from Martha Cove and Safety Beach, will be auctioned “when we all get back together”.

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 30 June 2020