Make Give Live
BUY ONE - GIVE ONE!
For each hat bought, one is given away to a kiwi in need!
Make Give Live run community based knitting groups around New Zealand.
The groups met either weekly or fortnightly in a cafe, a community hub, a library or a pub. As a Social Enterprise, they knit hats that they sell.
Being part of a Make Give Live group is like having a second family, they knit, but the groups also nurture their own mental health and wellbeing.
There is no cost involved in joining one of the groups, the idea is everyone is welcome and you are encouraged to come along to knit or crochet and enjoy being part of the family of makers.
As a Social Enterprise, the groups knit hats that are sold. These hats are part of a collection that MGL has designed and so are knitted in specific yarns to specific patterns, often to order for a particular store or individual. For every hat that is sold MGL donate another one to someone in need in New Zealand. These hats can be made to any pattern at all and are a great opportunity to experiment and have fun. All levels of knitting ability are welcome!
MGL provide all of the materials to make both types of hats and if you don’t have knitting needles or crochet hooks, the groups can help with that too. The groups are all about community, are kept small, no more than about 12 people, so that the participants can enjoy each others company and really get to know one another.
Every group has a Group Leader, who hosts the group and makes sure everyone is happy and has knitting to keep them busy.
Nurturing our own mental health and wellbeing and looking after yourself is essential and it is a proven fact that knitting has a multitude of therapeutic benefits, including reducing stress, improving self confidence, improving brain function and helping provide meaningful connections and purpose, especially when you are part of a community.
Make Give Live Taupo
Currently taking the lead for the Taupo Make Give Live groups is Spacecraft, with the team's lead role being shared amongst the group to help spread the load. The groups knit throughout the winter months on either a Tuesday 9.30am at Cozy Corner Cafe, Suncourt Plaza (Knit hats for both sale & charity) or Wednesday 7pm - 9pm at Plateau Bar + Eatery, 64 Tuwharetoa St (Knit hats for charity).
Charity hats made by the group are donated to a cause - this year it is the Taupo Women's Refuge. The wool & patterns are supplied by the national branch of MGL run out of Auckland. This is funded through the hats that are sold around the country and overseas. Members are encouraged to bring their own needles, however there are a few available to borrow until you get yourself sorted.
If you would like to know more information or to join the group please email us at shop@spacecraftcreative.co.nz.
Also check out the local Facebook group - Make Give Live Taupo.
