Robinson, who owns Crafty Cow in Ashburton, did not want to sit back and watch the events unfolding in Ukraine via television when she knew she could help in her own way.
She had a contact to ensure donated items would go where they were needed - then rallied the knitting troops.
She advertised for experienced volunteer knitters to help refugees of Ukraine and got an overwhelming response with 25 knitters from far and wide, including Ashburton, Methven, Geraldine, Winton and Kaiapoi, heeding the call.
“I wanted to help just because of what was happening," Robinson said.
"People left home in what they were wearing,” she said, of the Ukrainians under siege.
Robinson has an extensive range of modern yarns, wools and products in store, but had suppliers donate wool especially for the humanitarian project.
The focus was on beanies, socks and mittens “heads, hands and feet”, she said.
There had also been an outpouring of support from others just turning up to the shop to gift pre-made knitted goods such as jerseys, scarves and cot blankets, as well as a crafted quilt children’s blanket.
Robinson, and close friend Merrilyn Barnett, have already sent two boxes offshore at a total cost of $440, and with more items already in store, and knitted items yet to come, they were grateful for any monetary donations to help with postage.
One lady who was unable to knit donated $30 toward the cost of postage, Robinson said, which was much appreciated.
Another shipment was planned for this month.
“It’s been amazing what’s come,” Robinson said.
“They are coming in from everywhere. It grew legs of its own.”
While additional knitting donations were not needed, anyone able to help with monetary donations for postage can contact her at the Crafty Cow on East St, Ashburton.
