Knitting for a purpose

On Wednesday 14 August 2024, it is the 70^th birthday of a very special long-time Hamlin supporter, Denise Pratt!

For the last ten years, Denise has been using her talent and spare time to raise funds in a fun and unique way to help Ethiopian women with childbirth injuries.

What started with a handful of papier-mâché chickens has grown into a passionate online community of almost 700 members supporting Denise’s knitted Hens for Hamlin and the movement to eradicate obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.

To date, Denise has raised a whopping $64,000 for Hamlin! To mark her 70th birthday, Denise is hoping to reach her goal of $70,000 lifetime giving by selling more of her knitted chickens! Read to the end to see how you can help her achieve her goal.

Inspired to help

Denise first came across Dr Catherine Hamlin‘s work when she saw Oprah Winfrey’s interview with the Australian obstetrician-gynaecologist. Learning about the nature and extent of obstetric fistula in Ethiopia left a lasting impression on Denise, who told us:

“What stood out for me was the misery and grief the women experienced once they had been through the trauma of childbirth and loss of their child. Obstetric fistula is cruel. Not having the medical support required for a safe labour and delivery is heartbreaking. The suffering, isolation and distress that the women and their families endure is unimaginable.”

Years later, after reading ‘The Hospital By the River‘, and learning more about Drs Reg and Catherine Hamlin’s work, Denise felt inspired to help.

Knitting with love

Taught to knit by her mother and grandmother, knitting is a well-loved pastime in Denise’s family. Since 2014, Denise and her mother, Thelma have knitted an array of items from chickens to children’s socks to raise money for Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation. 

After seeing a documentary on the healing role of knitted chickens for children in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires, Denise decided to pivot to knitted chickens and Hens for Hamlin was born. Her initial target was $10,000 but, as the fundraiser continued, more people began sending Denise wool for her avian creations.

Denise’s motivation for Hens for Hamlin is simple: to help brave fistula patients. She says:

“When I knit, I think of the women who endure fistulas and the efforts they go to, to reach medical care once they are aware their fistula can be repaired. Their courage stays with me. I love reading the stories of the successes and rebuilding of their lives once they have the support they need. The work of the staff is also an inspiration. I will knit until people are no longer interested or my fingers will no longer allow me to knit,” says Denise.

The power of Hens for Hamlin

Denise’s fundraising efforts are extraordinary. $64,000 has restored the health and dignity of 53 women with life-changing fistula repair surgery. The knowledge that she is benefitting women in unimaginable circumstances gives her great joy and the motivation to continue knitting.

“I think of the amazing midwives dedicating their lives to making a difference, the staff and patients who are making a huge difference every day, the enormous contribution the medical and other services provided make to the lives of so many women, their babies and families. Then clickety-clack, back to knitting!

I love knitting the chickens. People love receiving them and the money raised goes to helping support the years of dedication of the Hamlins and the people who are ensuring that the programs and services are ongoing. It is not me who has made a difference; it is the people who donate for the chickens and support me to continue to knit,” Denise reflects.

When asked what she would say if she could speak to the women whose lives she has transformed, Denise responded: “You are an amazing courageous woman and deserve the very best life has to offer.”

Happy 70^th birthday, Denise and thank you so much to you and Thelma for all your hard work over the years! Your beautiful chickens are not only putting a smile on the faces of those who buy them, but also changing the lives of women suffering with obstetric fistula.

Buy your very own Hen for Hamlin

To buy one of Denise’s Hens for Hamlin and support her fundraising efforts, visit Denise’s Gorgeous Girls Virtual Garden Party Facebook page.

Why not channel your own creativity into making a difference? Kickstart your own fundraiser and get Hands on for Hamlin here.