Last week Taonefoou Falesima, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Auckland suburb of Swanson, donated scarves and warm hats to elderly patients at Waitakere Hospital.
“Created with love and compassion for your warmth and comfort” was the message displayed on the packets of beautifully woven, colourful scarves and warm hats knitted, crocheted and donated for distribution to those elderly patients who needed them most.
During the culturally rich ceremonial handover, Taonefoou attributed her handicraft skills to her Niuean heritage, and shared her philosophical reflections on the parallels between her knitting and the knitting together of life’s joys and challenges into one great tapestry.
The idea of donating the warm hats and scarves was prompted by Taonefoou’s participation in the youth program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Waitakere hospital staff and health professionals from Muriwai Ward (congregation) expressed their appreciation of the gesture, saying that often it’s the elderly patients who get forgotten, so this gift to them was especially welcome.
Mormons enjoy serving others.