This week our guest speaker was Cheryl Webster - CEO of Knitted Knockers Australia.
Cheryl grew up in the country and is the oldest of 7 siblings. She is a mother of 4, mother-in-law to 1 and nana to 3 grandchildren. She is a 3-time survivor of breast cancer.
Cheryl has worked in Community Services at Burwood Neighbourhood house for 26 years.
Knitted Knockers Australia is a non-for-profit organisation. Knitted prostheses are free, 100% cotton, hand knitted (by volunteers) in Australia and provided to
breast cancer women who have had a mastectomy.
Knitted Knockers started 13 years ago and they supply orders all over Australia. Over 18,000 have been given out to recipients in Australia. They are also provided to hospitals. They come in multiple sizes, with a twin pack given for a single mastectomy or 2 packs given for a double mastectomy.
There was a lot of bureaucracy with the Shires, State and Federal Governments that had to be dealt with when starting up knitted knockers.
Cheryl spoke for the first time at a Biggest Morning Tea in Melbourne with 14 women wanting the knitted knockers.
Advertising has been successful on radio, in newspapers and on television, including Sunrise with Kochie. Knitted Knockers expanded once it was shown on tv.
Knitters have to be registered and if anyone is interested in becoming a registered knitter for Knitted Knockers, please email: burwoodn@bigpond.net.au
