Stitch 4 Kids NZ founder Annie Woodhams (above) was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021 shortly after moving to South Wairarapa from Napier.

While undergoing stem cell treatment in Wellington in 2022, Annie started thinking about what projects she could do during her recovery.

In late 2021, Annie joined a Featherston-based community group called WoRN that sews with donated fabric for charitable causes. This group was the foundation of Stitch 4 Kids NZ. As WoRN is primarily focussed on local projects, Annie formalised Stitch 4 Kids NZ and its special partnership with the Timor-Leste Embassy in 2022. You can sew or donate from anywhere in New Zealand.

Annie is passionate about removing fabric from the waste system. All fabric and notions used by Stitch 4 Kids are donated or material is upcycled from existing items, such as duvet covers or tablecloths.

Stitch 4 Kids NZ will work on one project at a time focussed on a community in need within New Zealand or a country with ties to New Zealand.