Charities You Can Knit For in New Zealand in 2025
There’s something special about stitching love into every row, knowing your knitting will warm someone in need. Whether you’re clearing out your yarn stash or just want a meaningful project, here’s a fresh list of New Zealand-based charities and community groups you can knit (or crochet!) for in 2025.
Woolly Project (Auckland City Mission)
What they need: Adult and children’s hats, scarves, gloves, and socks
Who they help: People experiencing homelessness or hardship in Auckland
Facebook: Woolly Project on Facebook
They collect items ahead of winter and distribute them through the Mission’s outreach team.
Knit World for Plunket
What they need: Baby singlets, booties, and beanies
Who they help: New parents and babies supported by Plunket nurses nationwide
How to donate: Drop off at any Knit World store
A great option if you’re near a Knit World location — they handle delivery for you.
Operation Cover Up (Mission Without Borders)
What they need: Blankets, jerseys, and accessories for children and families in Eastern Europe
Who they help: Vulnerable communities in Moldova, Ukraine, and beyond
Website: mwbonline.org
Though not NZ-focused, many Kiwi knitters love contributing to this huge annual effort.
Middlemore Foundation – Wool Programme
What they need: Baby beanies, booties, blankets, and cardigans
Who they help: Newborns and premature babies in Middlemore Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and families in need across South Auckland
Website: middlemorefoundation.org.nz
Their Wool Programme has been running for years, and every stitch makes a difference for some of NZ’s most vulnerable families. Soft, newborn-friendly yarn is a must!
SPCA New Zealand
What they need: Small blankets for cats, dogs, rabbits, and other animals in care
Who they help: Rescued, abandoned, and injured animals across SPCA shelters nationwide
Website: spca.nz
Knit or crochet pet blankets using durable, washable yarn. It’s a great way to use up leftover yarn while bringing comfort to animals waiting for their forever homes.
A few friendly knitting-for-charity tips
Use washable yarns
Label your items with size, fibre type, and washing instructions if possible.
Avoid strong scents
If you know of a new initiative or local group in your area that accepts handmade donations, leave a comment or message me — I’d love to grow this list together.