Layette Scheme
Church Layette Scheme
The Anglican Church of Saint Aidan participates in a Layette scheme, which was successfully introduced some years ago, together with Saint Mark’s in Remuera, Saint Philip’s in Saint Helier ‘s and the Remuera Baptist church. These churches have been loyal supporters of this scheme over the years. providing the knitters and where possible they help raise the money for the wool among their parishioners. The churches involved in the scheme appreciate the assistance of the men and women who support this ministry with their skills or financial contributions.
The scheme initially involved providing needy mothers at the National Women’s Hospital with at least one set of clothes for their newborn baby or babies. More recently the Layette team has directed the baby clothes to the voluntary organisation Pregnancy Help who have offices in Papatoetoe, Auckland City and in West Auckland. The rationale behind this redirection of the distribution was that women in need often turn to Pregnany Help for assistance. Alternatively, the social workers and midwives at the major hospitals can refer these women to Pregnancy Help.
The gift package of baby clothes comprises a cardigan, hat and bootees. Recently we handed over to Pregnancy Help 81 sets, ten blankets and a large number of assorted woolen hats, vests and bootees. and all parcels are given with a simple message of love and good wishes.
This year our Layette group have ordered 260 balls of baby wool, and have raised $972.36 to enable the purchase of wool, with each pack of ten balls of wool costing $53.49. The yarn consists of a wool acrylic mix comprising 70% wool and 30% acrylic. Our research reveals that 100 % acrylic is generally unsuitable for our climatic conditions, as acrylic clothes tend to become very damp in the high humidity experienced in Auckland. The inclusion of wool in the blend also gives additional warmth, while the addtion of the acrylic improves the washing process.