FMCG firm Innocent Drinks has partnered with Age UK to knit the UK’s biggest hat in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the ‘Big Knit’ event.
Created to support the charity’s invaluable work in helping the elderly, the Big Knit has raised over £3 million pounds since 2003 and has seen around 11 million hats knitted.
This year’s activation saw the creation of a 23ft tall and 20ft wide hat, was made up of 545 individual blankets and 2 million yards of wool, weighing in at 817 kilogrammes.
“Our Big Knit campaign is something we are extremely proud of, as it reaches and benefits so many every single year up and down the country. To mark 20 years since it began, is a real testament to the good intentions of everyone who has taken part over the years – we thank you all so much,” Innocent Drinks UK managing director, Sam Akinluyi said.
“Today’s amazing turn out shows that, despite the hardships and uncertainty that 2022 brought and 2023 will likely bring, the community spirit is still alive, and it’s incredible to see so many people still eager to help out those that need it most.”
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At the close of the event, the hat will be broken down into smaller blankets and donated to charities, including animal shelters and local children’s hospitals in the Nottingham area and further afield.
Age UK director of partnerships and philanthropy, Hannah Lee added: “Here at Age UK, we’re extremely thankful to everyone who gets involved with the innocent Big Knit campaign. This year marks 20 years of our partnership with innocent and, therefore, 20 years of tiny hats making a big difference to older people most in need. What better way to celebrate the mammoth effort of our knitters, and the impact they’ve had, than by bringing lots of people together for a new knitting challenge!
“Older people are facing an incredibly difficult reality and, as we face a cost-of-living crisis, Age UK is receiving more and more calls from older people worried about how they will survive the winter months. Our support is needed more than ever. All the money raised through the Big Knit helps Age UK and our network of local Age UKs continue to provide information, support, friendship, and advice to older people when they need us most.
“We’re proud of our partnership with innocent and the impact the Big Knit has had on the lives of older people over the last 20 years.”
