31 Jan 2008
From the 3rd to the 9th February, the Sailor's Society is launching its annual Woolly Hat Campaign, encouraging us land lubbers to knit a hat (using one of their free patterns) and donate it. It's a little-known fact that several of the Caird Library staff are quite keen on knitting and can often be found clicking away in the library office during our lunch break - so this year we're planning to support Woolly Hat Week!
Woolly hats are considered essential especially for seamen who have come from a warmer climate to work in the UK. Last year the campaign saw 13,000 hats being issued to sailors, with around 6,000 included in Christmas boxes.
Jan Webber, the Director of Fundraising & Marketing at the Sailor's Society, comments:
Many people forget that without the seafarer, everyday essentials that we take for granted would not reach our shores. The Woolly Hat Campaign gives a direct reason for people to help the seafarer in his everyday life. These people often spend many months at sea in harsh conditions, sometimes not even speaking the same language as their colleagues. A simple act of gratitude can mean the world to these people, and by downloading a pattern and knitting a woolly hat, you are spreading the work of the Society and directly benefiting the seafarer at the same time. This is a great opportunity to get involved in a new hobby that is perfect for all ages.If you aren't the knitting type, you can also support the campaign by wearing your woolly hat to work and sending the Society a donation. Contact woollyhats@sailors-society.org for more information. Spread the word, join in, and keep a sailor's head warm this winter! Tanya (Reader Services Librarian)