Students from the local school are knitting woollen hats to support the joint Grant Shapps MP ‘Wel Hats’ & HAD scheme to help disabled children in Afghanistan, some of whom were injured during recent conflicts in the country. This follows on from last year’s efforts by the local MP where 3,000 hats were knitted by the community for troops in that country.
Wel Hats organiser Jonny Ball was pleased to welcome Stanborough on board: "We're keen to get young knitters involved to help these children stay warm during the bitterly cold winter months.
"To have the support of these youngsters is fantastic and we're hoping more schools will join us. We've set a target of 3,000 hats and we're already half way there," Jonny added.
HAD's involvement with the project, which will run until the United Nations' Disability Day on December 3, came about after their Chief Executive Annabelle Waterfield learnt about the Kabul-based Disability Afghanistan Organisation (DAO) via various social media sites.
"It's run by Omara Khan Muneeb and when he told me he formed DAO after he stepped on a landmine I knew immediately I wanted to help," Annabelle explained.
"Longer term we want to send walking sticks, crutches, wheelchairs and other mobility and medical equipment," Annabelle added.
The scheme already has the backing of local MP Grant Shapps and the organisers are hoping other local schools, youth groups, clubs and businesses follow suit. Grant said:
"I’m delighted with the response from the community to what has become an established local campaign. Recently, 200 hats from Friendship House older persons’ centre in Hatfield have helped topped the total to 1,500 hats and we want the local community to rally round once again. I’m also looking for help with postage to get the hats out to Kabul.”
If you want to get involved or need more information contact 01707 262632 or visit www.welhats.com
HAD provide a number of key services for older and disabled people including mobility equipment, accessible transport and driving lessons and assessments.
For more information visit www.hadnet.org.uk