After knitting more than 3000 rugs for children in care over two decades, Rugs with Love’s members are hosting their final exhibition.

This month, Plympton’s Church of the Good Shepherd will be adorned with more than 200 colourful creations that the core group of 11 retired women have made, in the hope of brightening up someone’s days.

Rugs with Love members make personalised rugs for children and young people in residential care, and also donate the proceeds of their exhibitions to charity.

Although this month’s exhibition is their final one, they will continue meeting monthly at members’ homes to create their works of art and donate them to children.

Founding member Pauline Glover and a friend formed Rugs with Love to help children and others in need, at the same time as giving members a social outlet, which has assisted the women to support each other through the highs and lows of life.

The group’s annual exhibitions have raised $30,000 for charities including Zonta International and The Smith Family.

Rugs with Love’s exhibition will be held at the Church of Good Shepherd, 15 Clayton Ave, Plympton, on Saturday, 16 May from 2-3.30pm. Entry costs $10 and includes afternoon tea.

Quotes attributable to DCP Chief Executive Jackie Bray

I’m so grateful to Rugs with Love for their unwavering dedication to supporting children through an outfit that’s been going for two decades.

The group’s compassion towards others, including young people who have experienced significant trauma in their lives, is truly remarkable.

I’m told many of these young people really treasure their rugs – made specially for them – and appreciate the time, effort and care that goes into making them.

Add to that the money Rugs with Love has raised for charities, and you’ve got one very special group of ladies.

Quotes attributable to Rugs with Love founding member Pauline Glover

We try and match a blanket to the child, so (for example) if there’s a 10-year-old who likes the Crows, we’ll try and knit them an appropriate size blanket that’s blue, yellow and red.

Apparently their little faces light up and they take them down and put them in their room. One child said, ‘I’ve never had anyone make anything for me before’.

The feedback we’ve had is that it can make a big difference in someone’s life, and that’s all we can ask for.

I just believe every child deserves a chance in life and if we can give them a rug to keep them warm, they can have a cuddle and put the rug over them if they feel sad.