Wilma’s crochet animals bring joy to children

YOU never know what happens when you hand over a gift to someone.

Will it be appreciated, loved, packed away, passed onto someone else or – worse – sent to the Op Shop?

Wilma Whysall, a retired bank teller who had relocated to Gloucester from Sydney, was given a book on crocheted animals eight years ago.

“I’ve always wanted to do something for children and this book took me to a new level,” Ms Whysall said.

“I had been crocheting for 30 years, but never made animals.”

Her nimble fingers soon brought a pile of crocheted animals to life, as each took her about two days.

She began looking for homes for them.

She called John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle and was connected to nearby Ronald McDonald House, a nonprofit organisation that provides a “home away from home” for families whose children are receiving medical treatment far from where they live.

“I have seen young children on television with knitted or crochet animals handed out by hospitals or Ronald McDonald House; obviously it’s a source of comfort for them,” Ms Whysall said.

Friends donate wool and others who hear of her work contribute, but much comes out of her own pocket.

Each year Ms Whysall sends  a big bag of crocheted animals and some cuddle rugs to Ronald McDonald House.

Her daughter Fiona works in Sydney and holds an annual silent auction with an animal to raise funds for a house that looks after women in domestic situations.

“It feels good to be able to do something to help a sick child,” Ms Whysall said.

Age hasn’t stopped 80-year-old Wilma, who is keen to teach anyone who wishes to join her, at the weekly Craft Group at Gloucester Baptist Church.

By Kim TEOH