Hens for Hamlin

Two women knitting, 57 life-changing surgeries. 

Since 2014, Denise Pratt and her mother Thelma have knitted an array of items – from chickens to children’s socks – to raise money for the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation. What started with Denise selling a handful of papier-mâché chickens has now turned into a whole online community. Denise sells her items on her Facebook page, where you will also see a knitted chicken or two roaming around her garden.

After almost six years of knitting, Denise and Thelma have just reached their fundraising target… a staggering $40,000! What an incredible achievement. With the support of their community, they have raised enough money to provide 57 Ethiopian women with life-changing surgery to repair their fistula injuries. That’s 57 women whose health and dignity can be restored.

          

The Idea

In her own words, Denise tells us her story:

In August 2014, to celebrate my 60th birthday, I aimed to raise $600 for one surgical fistula procedure. I had read about the wonderful work of Drs Reg and Catherine Hamlin and thought this could be a meaningful way to celebrate my 60 years.

Since then I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, family and people I have never met who continue to support my mother and I with our fundraising efforts. It’s also really nice knowing that our fundraising events bring fun and joy to others.

Our fundraising project was inspired by my five gorgeous pet chickens who brought so much joy to our lives and is where our fundraising project name ‘Gorgeous Girls’ comes from.

Initially, I held a silent auction of papier-mâché chickens. Then my mother, Thelma and I decided to knit a series of tea cosies. From here, Thelma started to knit bunnies and I held an Easter Garden Party to auction the bunnies. We aimed to knit and decorate 60 bunnies and ask for a $10 donation for each. Our aim was $600.

One thing led to another and the Facebook page called ‘Gorgeous Girls Virtual Garden Party’ began. The bunnies were an instant hit. Donations ranged from $10 upwards. It was such a thrill to see these tiny bunnies bring joy to the lives of people and also raise money towards our goal.

We regularly have hand knitted chickens, children’s “rubber boot socks”, tea cosies and various other items posted on the Gorgeous Girls Virtual Garden Party page. Each item has a requested minimum donation and is quickly snapped up.

          

I am so pleased to see membership growing through word of mouth recommendations and I am so thrilled with the generosity of the donors.

The instant acknowledgement of the tax deductible receipt, knowing that 100% of their money is going to this fabulous cause makes the difference.

– Denise

Thank you so much to Denise and Thelma for all your hard work. Your Gorgeous Girls are not only putting a smile on the faces of those who buy them, but also changing the lives of women suffering with a fistula.

What a creative way to get involved and change lives. Denise is still knitting, and has raised her target to $50,000! Thank you for being the ultimate Hamlin Champions.

Get your own knitted hen via Denise’s Facebook group here or kickstart your own fundraiser and get Hands on for Hamlin here.