Ear-savers provide healthcare comfort

A Katanning woman is doing her bit in the fight against coronavirus by knitting free colourful ear-savers for local healthcare workers.

Chris McGlew has already made more than 40 ear-savers of different colours, designs and sizes which fasten behind the head, pulling masks off the ears to relieve irritation.

They are made using two buttons and wool and can make a big difference to healthcare workers’ comfort.

Ms McGlew, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, said she was pleased she had found a way to give back and keep her mind occupied during isolation.

“People need positive things and if it helps make their life a little bit easier for a little while, that is great,” she said.

“When you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is something that can weigh on you, and so I suppose it is trying to make myself feel better by helping other people.”

Ms McGlew has already donated some of her ear-savers to nurses in Perth.

She encouraged anyone in the Katanning community who could use one to get in touch.

“My thoughts were our healthcare workers are putting up with an awful lot at the moment and I thought I’d hand them out to whoever needs them because money is a bit tight for a lot of people,” she said.

Ms McGlew said it took just 10 minutes to whip up an ear-saver, and any crafty Katanning residents looking for a way to help were welcome to join in.