I posted this on Site stuff, but it was suggested we post it here too...

As part of the Health and Education For All campaign, Oxfam have launched an appeal for knitted squares to create a giant baby blanket, with each square knitted representing a mother who did not survive pregnancy or childbirth to be able to care for her baby, because she couldn't access the medical care she needed.

Oxfam are aiming to get 250,000 squares by September, which is the number of mothers who could have been saved in that time if decent healthcare had been available.

They need knitters to make 9 inch squares for the giant blanket, which will be handed into the Government as a sort of 'patchwork against poverty petition', to demand a world where everyone has access to free basic healthcare.

We were just wondered if all you Mumsknitters would be interested in teaming up with Oxfam to help out.

Ideally we'd need some folks to volunteer as Local/regional coordinators - who could appeal on their local sites for knitters, maybe organise a local knit -in/meet-up, wouldn't mind being contacted by non mumsnetter oxfam supporters to coordinate collection of squares

And then we just need folks who wouldn't mind unravelling an old sweater and knitting some squares (they're v keen on folks recycling old knitted stuff).

In May they're planning on holding Knit-ins at local MP's offices - so they're also looking for folks happy to teach their MP how to knit while talking about the issue of maternal mortality and hopefully picking up some local media coverage.

Basically it's not about raising money but raising awareness.

Let us know what you think/if you would be interested in helping out.

Thanks

MNHQ

Have you an official link I could use please...I have loads of knitters on other crafting forums I could try for you.

sounds good. Count me in....erm for knitting; not co-ordinating that is!

<backs away shyly>

Can help with this Carrie.
Link would also be good as have lots of in-the-stash-closet colleague knitters apparently...

Message withdrawn

i know that in eg africa there are situations where access to c/s is possibe..but then staff won't let families into hospital unless they have money/drugs for patient. this has led to many deaths/disabilities (eg fistula) that are entirely preventable.

so i'd be up for it.

I always think of that fab charity set up by British midwives for the women and babies of Chad bundle

marina

also that famous fistula hospital in [http://www.fistulafoundation.org/hospital/ addis ababa]]

hope you're having a peaceful easter, much needed rest being had over here after having friends round for fish pie earlier (took girls to kids' stations of cross..did 2 readings myself)

even

Yes, I would love to.