Hopeman knitter (80) gets Moray and Grampian Christmas Toy and Food Appeal off to flying start
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THE first donation to our Moray and Grampian Christmas Toy and Food appeal was a real labour of love for the wonderful woman behind it.
Ruth Ralph, from Hopeman, is an avid knitter and crocheter.
The 80-year-old has been working hard during the pandemic creating some fabulous cuddly toys.
And she has handed over a bumper haul of toys for our appeal to get it off to a fantastic start.
"Every year I start in August and knit until November. I work from patterns, some of them quite ancient," she said.
"I have been knitting and crocheting since I was a teenager."
Ruth has also produced knee blankets for older people which can also be used as cot blankets for babies.
"I am disabled and have carers come in four times a day. After I tidy and clean the house a little, I will sit down and start knitting or crocheting."
Ruth, who was born in the village and has lived there all her life, was delighted to hear that her colourful teddies and blankets will be going to people across Moray to brighten up their Christmas.
"That makes me very happy," she said.
Last year the appeal helped more than 300 individuals and families in Moray.
Our appeal partners are Moray Council, St Giles shopping centre, Tesco Elgin, Asda Elgin, Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin Business Improvement District and Associated Seafoods.
You can make donations of toys, gifts, toiletries and non-perishable foods at any of the partners and other collection points across the area.
Referrals for people or families in need come through the council's social work department, schools, GPs and others.
The appeal runs until Friday, December 17 after which all the toys and other gifts will be wrapped and distributed in time for Christmas by Moray Council.
