Ruth Sherris loves to knit and crochet, and she also loves to help people.
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The Heddon Greta woman combines those two passions by making blankets and other goodies for children staying at Newcastle’s Ronald McDonald House.
Ronald McDonald House provides accommodation for families of children receiving treatment at John Hunter Children’s Hospital.
Ms Sherris, 85, has crocheted about 70 blankets for Ronald McDonald House in the past five years.
Ms Sherris is a member of the Newcastle Machine Knitters Club, and the club’s members kindly donate the yarn that she uses to make the rugs.
“I spend a lot of time knitting and crocheting, it keeps me busy and my mind occupied,” she said.
Ms Sherris got involved with Ronald McDonald House when Kurri resident Marcia Steele, who is a volunteer with the organisation, saw some items she had made and donated to a local raffle and approached her about making a few rugs for the kids.
Ms Sherris was more than happy to oblige, and five years on her dedication to sick kids and their families continues.
The rugs are placed into a care package for the children, with other knitted items such as bears and hats, and Ms Steele takes them to Newcastle.
“They are made with a lot of love,” Ms Steele said, adding that efforts like Ms Sherris’s are greatly appreciated by the staff, children and families at Ronald McDonald House.