As winter continues to bite across Australia, one group of women in Sydney’s south-west is proving that a few balls of wool, a pair of knitting needles and a shared desire to help can make a real difference.

The Kingsgrove Knitters meet every fortnight to handcraft blankets, beanies and scarves for people experiencing hardship, with every item donated to the Bill Crews Foundation.

Despite only forming earlier this year, the group has already produced three queen-sized blankets, six baby blankets and countless beanies and scarves, all created by volunteers with varying levels of knitting experience but one common goal: helping those in need stay warm.

For organiser Cheryl, the idea grew from a similar initiative at her former church in Abbotsbury, but she wanted to create something with a local focus.

“The initiative really came from the church I used to go to at Abbotsbury,” she said. “They have a group that produces for Wrapped with Love, which distributes items around Australia and the world. I thought I’d like to do something for Sydney.

“We could have joined Wrapped with Love, but I wanted to do something for our local community.”

The fortnightly gatherings have become about much more than knitting.

“I come back because I enjoy our get together and doing something useful for people in need,” she said.

Every stitch is made with someone else in mind.

“I hope it will give them warmth and comfort and will be useful in their lives,” Cheryl said. “It is a nice feeling knowing you can help somebody else.”

The group has also become a welcoming space for women from a range of cultural and religious backgrounds, something Cheryl says was intentional from the beginning.

“It’s not a religious thing, we wanted to keep it very ecumenical and friendly,” she said. “Some of the ladies, I have no idea what their religion is. Any belief, any faith can come and feel comfortable and welcome.”

The handmade donations are already making an impact for the Bill Crews Foundation, which supports thousands of Australians experiencing homelessness and financial hardship.

Reverend Bill Crews said warm clothing and blankets were among the most valuable donations during winter.

“Donations such as these are absolutely critical because, as well as nourishment, people need warmth,” he said.

“I find many who sleep in parks and on benches find these rugs and blankets the best to keep them warm. They are often better than a sleeping bag.”

For many recipients, the significance extends beyond the physical warmth.

“Many homeless people feel isolated and afraid,” Rev Crews said. “A handmade blanket tells them that there are people who care about them, and that they needn’t feel so alone.”

With cost-of-living pressures continuing to push more Australians into hardship, demand for the foundation’s services has continued to climb.

“Since the beginning of the year, demand for our services has, at times, increased by 39 per cent,” Rev Crews said.

While he encourages people to donate warm clothing through larger charities where possible, he said practical items such as blankets, underwear, track pants and warm tops are always needed.

“There is never enough for the disadvantaged people we see; we can never do and provide enough,” he said.

“I’m sure this is the case with most charities, so all donations are gratefully accepted.”

For the women of the Kingsgrove Knitters, that simple act of creating something by hand is about far more than wool and needles. Every blanket, scarf and beanie is stitched with the hope that someone facing a difficult winter will feel not only warmer, but reminded that their community hasn’t forgotten them.