Read, Share, Grow Community Project
Dunedin Pūtoi Rito Communities of Readers
In July we started a new collaboration with the wonderful work of the South Dunedin Pūtoi Rito Communities of Readers with their Read, Share, Grow project.
“Reading for pleasure improves children’s knowledge, creativity, wellbeing, and empathy for others. Sharing a story or picture book with your child, even 5 minutes a day, can make a big difference to your child and is a great way to relax together.” - from website
This project is starting by providing picture books to families Concord Kindergarten, as a project which will hopefully grow to other kindergartens and preschools around the city.
Stitch Kitchen is contributing to this project by creating 30 book bags through our weekly sewing sessions. These bags are specially designed by repurposing retired street lamppost flags and webbing from Masters Games lanyards provided by the Dunedin City Council.
The bags are reversible, fully-lined, durable, lightweight, and washable. We've collaborated with the Read, Share, Grow to add a practical pocket for storing library cards, pencils, and other reading aids.
We’re delighted to have several new volunteers join our regular team at the same time as launching this new project!
Welcome Heather, Catherine, Raeleen, and Melissa. We’re now averaging 8 volunteers each week, making the workshops a fantastic social time, as well as being a time for sharing skills and contributing to the community.
“Absolutely love coming into the studio on Thursday mornings to spend a couple of hours with a diverse group of people brought together by our shared interest in all things sewing - regardless of whether you can sew or not. No matter how cold and/or wet it is outside, inside it is warm - and I am not just talking about the temperature! The people that are there on the day are welcoming and always willing to share their experience. Doesn't matter what you physically do on the day - you come away with a sense of achievement. Or maybe you would just like some company for an hour or two - come and try out the couch in the window ” ~Sanel
“I have noticed other volunteers embrace and support what is done at Stitch Kitchen, gain confidence and learn new skills. The benefits of social interaction between volunteers and reaching and teaching people of various walks of life and nationalities are also evident.” ~Fienie
