The genU St Laurence Retirement Village Craft Group is a living example of the saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, and spent much of their time committed to creating essentials for raising local kids.  

Craft Group members – or ‘turner uppers’ as they are unofficially known – include St Laurence residents like Linda, Josie, Jennifer, and Pauline. They are regularly among those gathered on a Monday or Tuesday afternoon, when up to 20 keen crafters get together to continue working on important projects.  

While these two days are the ‘official’ opening times, the craft room doors are always open for anyone wanting to put in some overtime.

The group is proud of its efforts and even prouder of its motto: Made with Love, Given in Hope. Their achievements also align with the genU vision and purpose, to build genuinely inclusive communities and enrich lives. 

Every group member has a palpable drive to help the community and make a positive contribution. The major focus is supporting two local charities, Our Village (formerly Mums of Geelong) and Cottage by the Sea in Queenscliff. 

After accruing a lifetime of experience across a broad range of needle skills – sewing, crocheting, knitting, painting, wool-spinning and dyeing – members are industrious, creating a prolific amount of items. 

Taking the goodwill of others – all the fabric and wool are donated – the craft group creates a broad range of clothing and items including blankets, beanies, scarves, and hand-crafted teddy bears, destined for children in need.

The Group has added another string to its donation bow, with a gold coin entry required for each person when they attend one of the group’s gatherings. 

This allows the group to go beyond donating handmade items, to buying nappies, bottle brushes, shampoo and soap and other necessities for newborns and young children. 

genU CEO Clare Amies said the craft group donations played an important role in ensuring children feel valued, cared for and are part of the community. 

“The crafters are to be congratulated for sharing their remarkable talents and putting their hearts and souls into this collective effort to support children and families in need,” Clare said. 

“The group shows such a strong community spirit, and what they achieve collectively is a testament to their commitment and dedication to provide for others in need.”