Roma keeps kids ‘warm and snug’ in volunteering role
South Australian retirement village resident and volunteer, Roma Tozer, is one of thousands of older people who will be celebrated this week for the contribution they make to the community.
South Australian retirement village resident and volunteer, Roma Tozer, is one of thousands of older people who will be celebrated this week for the contribution they make to the community.
Ms Tozer, who resides at ACH Group’s Elkanah Retirement Village, keeps disadvantaged children “warm and snug” in the brightly coloured knits and beanies she designs and crafts.
For three to four hours every day, Ms Tozer's nimble fingers cast and slip, purl and loop as she works on her rainbow woollens.
This fortnight’s creation is a rich tapestry of blues and reds. Once she gets three quarters through, she will go into her wool case – a big black suitcase overflowing with colourful skeins – and begin designing the next set.
“That’s my favourite part, designing the style and colours for each of my knits. When I begin a new piece I can’t stop knitting until I see the pattern coming together,” Ms Tozer says.
She has been knitting since she was seven years old, and has been donating woollens for more than 20 years – first through her local church and now through the Maylands Friendship Group.
“I love knitting. It keeps me motivated. And knowing that my jumpers are going to children in need around the world makes me feel good,” she says.
Most of her knits have travelled overseas, to countries including Cambodia, with the rest going to children in Australia.
The pull of knitting always brings her home. “I listen to music or have the television set on and just work away on my knits. It’s a good hobby – and a useful one, too! I like the fact that my hobby helps others in need.”
With a volunteer workforce comprising more than 500 who support good lives for older people, ACH Group recognises the positive impact that a volunteering role can have on both the volunteer and the people they serve.
