Creating care dolls for the needy
Dedicated volunteers are dressing and distributing donated dolls to disadvantaged children and Alzheimer's patients.
AROUND 500 donated dolls are being dressed and distributed to disadvantaged children and Alzheimer’s patients by a dedicated team of volunteers from non-profit organisation Our Kitchen Table (OKT) and local fashion designers.
The upcycling effort over the past eight months was kicked off by a donation of dolls from community member Gina Rosenberg, with a promise from OKT to transform them into gifts for adults and youngsters in need.
So far, more than 350 care dolls have been lovingly dressed by knitters, sewers and crochet enthusiasts from within the Jewish community and beyond. Each doll has individually designed clothes complete with hair accessories, makeup, shoes and even tiny handbags.
Beautiful bespoke outfits have been created by Melbourne textile artists and fashion designers, including bridal couture makers Gwendolynne, Kara Baker and Micky in the Van.
The care dolls are currently being distributed via local charities including Bayside Community Emergency Relief and the Prison Network, and will also be packaged to donate to Alzheimer’s patients at an upcoming volunteering event to celebrate World Kindness Day.
It has been a true community effort to dress, decorate, package and deliver the dolls to where they are needed most. The project has attracted volunteers across all ages including groups of seniors, girls marking their upcoming bat mitzvahs and students from local schools.
For many community members the project has provided a positive distraction and opportunity to stay creative and productive during Melbourne’s COVID restrictions.
To get involved in Our Kitchen Table’s creative community impact projects, contact Liz Davidson at liz@ourkitchentable.org.au or visit ourkitchentable.org.au
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