Grandma Olga, born and raised in New Zealand, moved with her husband and four children to England, Ireland and eventually to the United States. At age 93, no longer able to cook or garden, two of her greatest passions, she returned to knitting. She embarked on a 6 month journey of knitting scarves and hats for the Ukrainan children until her death in December, 2024. Knitting thoughout the day, and sometimes into the early hours of the morning, Grandma Olga said that the work gave her renewed purpose in life. She felt deeply for the Ukrianian children, for their suffering, and sought to bring them comfort through her gifts of handknit scarves and hats. Partnering with the COPEKIT Team, Grandma Olga’s scarves were delivered to Ukrainan children in Ukraine and Poland. She lived long enough to read, see and hear their gratitude. Nina and her family wrote: “Please pass on a big thank you to Grandma Olga! This scarf is very soft and brings her warmth to us. 😘” The Ukrainian girls in the video below are saying “Thank you Olga”.

In honor of Grandma Olga, her family and friends are joining with COPEKIT to continue her legacy with the Grandma Olga Project : Knitting for Ukrainian Children. Anyone who likes to knit or who wants to learn, individuals and knitting clubs, church groups. Please join us in caring for the Ukrainan children. You knit, ship to us and we will deliver to the Ukrainian children. For more information, contact Jamie Moncrief, Chief Experience Officer at JMoncrief@COPEKIT.COM