Knitting kindness for Easter: Pauline spreads cheer at Resthaven Bellevue Heights

Easter is almost upon us, but Resthaven Bellevue Heights resident Pauline has been busy preparing since before Christmas.

She’s been knitting hundreds of Easter ‘chicks’ to give away to others at Resthaven Bellevue Heights in an act of generosity and kindness.

The chicks, which are designed to hold an Easter egg, are knitted in yellow wool, with a black eye stitched onto them and a brown felt beak attached. Pauline taught herself to knit when she was younger, and it became a favourite activity of hers when she was working the nightshift as a nurse.

‘I can knit anything you give me a pattern for,’ Pauline smiles. ‘From the age of 15, to when I retired at 60, I would knit to keep myself busy until a patient needed me. I never slept on shift, so knitting gave me something to do on my breaks or if it was quiet.’

Pauline can often be spotted in the foyer of Resthaven Bellevue Heights with needles clicking softly, as she creates another gift.

‘I talk to everyone,’ Pauline says. ‘So, people will often stop when they see me for a chat.’

In addition to knitting, Pauline is skilled in a wide range of handicrafts, including doll-making, paper tole artwork, handmade greeting cards, quilting, and Diamond Dotz.

Pauline has made Easter Chicks before, knitting them as gifts for clients of Meals on Wheels where she was a volunteer for 15 years.  She also made Christmas cards for these clients and for MNDSA clients.

‘I like to keep myself busy,’ Pauline says.

Pauline has lived at Resthaven Bellevue Heights since mid-2025.

‘The staff here are very kind,’ Pauline says. ‘They’re wonderful. I absolutely admire the staff and the carers for their abilities. I’m very happy.’

As Easter nears, Pauline continues to add to the growing collection of chicks ready to be shared.

Thank you, Pauline for your creative gifts – you are adding extra joy to Easter at Resthaven Bellevue Heights this year.