Independent shops and cafes across Lincolnshire are selling handmade knitted Easter decorations in an egg-cellent campaign supporting St Barnabas hospice, Lincoln.
Volunteers across the county have begun knitting small bunnies and chicks which can be found in over 200 businesses in and around the city.
Fiona Malloch-Rear works for St Barnabas and is running the Knitted Novelties campaign.
She said, “We couldn’t do it without our volunteers. Some are official St Barnabas volunteers who knit, or some people come and join the campaign because they find knitting and croquet fun.”
St Barnabas is an independent, local charity which provides end of life care to over 12,000 people with life limiting or terminal illnesses.
With a suggested donation price of £3, each decoration comes with a small chocolate Easter egg inside.
Fiona added: “Some people may donate £1, or some people may be more generous and donate £5 which is lovely. But it roughly evens out at about £3 an item. This is one of the only campaigns that we do which costs the hospice nothing. Everything is donated, which is wonderful.”
Each participating local business donates the chocolate eggs and collects money on behalf of St Barnabas.
Amy Claridge owns the Fabric Quarter in Bailgate, Lincoln, which is one of the businesses selling The Knitted Novelties.
She said: “It’s a nice way to support local charities in particular a hospice which isn’t always something people like to talk about. It’s something that will affect all of us in some way or another, whether that’s personally or a family member.”
Follie and Pretty Little are among other independent businesses, in the city, involved in the campaign.
Amy added: “They’re very sweet and you can reuse them each year. They can become part of your Easter tradition which is more meaningful and a more mindful way of consumption.”
There is still time to get involved and knit some of the Easter decorations or donate to the campaign. Click here to find out more.
