One of the most recognisable features of the Easter season in Fermoy, little knitted Easter chicks filled with chocolate crème eggs, is an annual initiative which this year realised €5,600 in aid of Marymount Hospice.
On Thursday last, Clare Lombard, the library knitting group, and other volunteers involved in the initiative, gathered at Fermoy Library to hand over the cheque to Marymount Hospice.
Speaking with The Avondhu, Clare said that it was a ‘great day’, as the group of volunteers raised almost €2,000 more than in 2022.
“I said if we made €4,000 this year, I’d be delighted. I couldn’t believe it. There were a lot of people involved in it. There are a few missing today (Thursday) that couldn’t be here for the cheque presentation,” Clare said.
This year, the knitted chickens were on sale across Mitchelstown and Fermoy as well as reaching a number of places further afield, such as Tallow, Mallow, Youghal, Lismore, Hospital, etc.
A sincere ‘thank you’ was extended to all those involved, those who sponsored wool, crème eggs, boxes, labels and more, to those who stocked the fundraising knitted chickens in their premises and to all those who donated to the cause.
The cheque was accepted by Jackie Northridge on Friday, May 4th at Fermoy Library on behalf of Marymount Hospice, who said that it was a ‘phenomenal sum’ to raise for the organisation.
“On behalf of the management and staff at the fundraising office for Marymount Hospice, we wish to sincerely thank the Fermoy Knitting Group for their continuing support each year, and gratefully accept the cheque of €5,600 for the exceptional fundraising over the weeks prior to Easter 2023,” she said.
According to Clare Lombard, it is hoped that the knitters will get to work once again next year to decorate chocolate eggs for the annual fundraiser.
Fermoy Library Knitting Group are continually looking for more knitters and those with an interest in needlecraft such as knitting, crocheting, etc. The local group meet each Thursday at Fermoy Library from 2.30pm to 4pm, with both beginner and advanced crafters welcome.
