CHRISTMAS crafters can help raise vital funds for those at risk of homelessness and rough sleeping this winter by making unique decorations, designed specially for a worthy cause.
It’s thanks to link-up between the Greater Manchester Mayors’ Charity and much-loved family business Black Sheep Wools.
Together, they’ve launched the ‘Deck The Halls’ fundraising campaign – a call for those who love to knit and crochet to take on five new festive decoration designs.
Festive favourites
Whether a beginner or a seasoned hand, the five bright and beautiful patterns are simple and fun for everyone to make, with festive favourite designs like stockings, trees and paperchains, and even the charity’s ‘umbrella’ logo.
People can buy the digital download patterns at just £2 each or £9 for all five, as well as a choice of three yarn packs (Holly Jolly, Last Christmas, and Merry & Bright) – with all proceeds from the patterns and 10% for every yarn pack going to the charity.
Funds raised will go to A Bed Every Night, the charity’s flagship scheme which aims to provide a bed (and wraparound support) for anyone rough sleeping, or at risk of rough sleeping, in Greater Manchester.
Fran Darlington-Pollock, chief executive at Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said: “Black Sheep Wools are at the heart of a community of avid crafters not just in Greater Manchester, but extending across the North West and the UK! When inspiration struck for this festive campaign, they were our first choice to approach.
“We know this campaign will not just raise funds to support A Bed Every Night, but get people talking about the charity, thinking about the importance of home, and perhaps even taking up a new hobby to wind down at the end of a hard week. We can’t wait to see what people come up with!”
Delightful designs
The designs have been created by Sarah Hatton, Helen Ardley and Black Sheep Wools’ very own Sara Mulvey.
Set up in 1983 in Culceth, near Warrington, the business has gone on to be at the heart of a community of craft-lovers, shipping products and patterns around the world. They proudly boast the ’s the largest knitting and stitching store in the country as their base.
Sara Mulvey, director at Black Sheep Wools, said: “We were delighted to be asked to be involved with the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity this year.
“We’ve designed five bright and beautiful Christmas decorations, perfect to ‘deck the halls’. The patterns are simple to make, there’s knit & crochet, and you can let your imagination go wild creating your own fun festive embellishments.”
Grants
Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity provides grants to pioneering organisations that work throughout the city region.
It has so far raised £3.1 million since it was launched in 2019 – unlocking more than 70,000 nights of emergency accommodation, 40 grants to organisations experiencing tough times and enabling 12 years of frontline work through funding.
