Blankets Donated To Oxfam

[Bathsheba]

When folk knit blankets made of many squares of different coloured wool stitched together, then give them to Oxfam, what do you think the knitters think will happen to the blanket?

Baths
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[woofgang]

Well I can’t imagine their selling for much or being particularly useful as they are a b* to wash. Hospitals and care homes stopped using them because they can’t be washed hot enough for infection control and don’t tumble dry well.

[RATTER15]

I expect Oxfam sell them through their charity shops.

[Hopkirk]

Do people really still knit?

[TonyV]

Or put them on aid packages?

[RATTER15]

Yes they do Hopkirk, I was in a knitting shop just the other day (the dear Carakeel wanted something) and the woman behind the counter was explaining that "knitting" is still alive and thriving!! Even though it is by far cheaper to buy the garment ready made.

[EDDIE51]

Dogs love knitted blankets as a comfy bed , or at least my Labrador does.

[Buenchico]

Apparently they sell well at music festivals:
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/donate/donate-goods/what-you-can-donate/knitting-for-oxfam

[TonyV]

Or perhaps they sell them

[TonyV]

oxfam uk blankets

[Bathsheba]

I honestly was shocked when I saw them for sale in the Oxfam shop! I'm sure the people who made them expected them to be sent to refugees and various camps who need warm clothing.

Baths
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[tonyav]

That reminds me, what did Blue Peter do with all of those milk bottle tops.

[Baldric]

What does ///oxfam uk blankets/// refer to, do you have a link?

[Buenchico]

From an letter sent out to the parents of children who were invited to join an Oxfam knitting campaign in 2008:

"Why can’t Oxfam send blankets overseas to where they are
needed?

Sending blankets and clothing overseas is very expensive, and Oxfam has a responsibility to use the money it receives from the general public in the most effective way possible in the fight against poverty. There are many local initiatives in poor countries where women knit or make clothes, and Oxfam tries to support them by buying their products and distributing them through its programmes. This ensures women can learn new skills, earn an income and
support their families, buy crops, send their children to school and to get any healthcare needed"

[Buenchico]

>>> what did Blue Peter do with all of those milk bottle tops

They passed them onto a recycling firm, who paid the money for them to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

[tamborine]

Theyre stored for knitters, who undo & reuse wool to knit minions or lil animals as key fobs & sold for other charities.

[tonyav]

Thanks Chris, I couldn't remember why we used to collect them at junior school.

[Bathsheba]

It was fun being the "Milk Monitor) cos then you could open all the bottles with that plastic thingie given free in cereals ;)

Baths
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