The Ingenia Gardens resident uses her eight decades of knitting experience to craft teddies for children who are experiencing traumatic situations or need support when riding in an ambulance.

Ms Merchant said it “makes her feel happy” to knit a teddy every two days for those who need a friendly face and a cuddle. 

”Apparently there’s quite a lot of little ones who just need something to make them happy,” she said. 

“When you’re old time is one thing you have plenty of and I knew how to do them. 

“It’s nice to know you may be helping some little child through a nasty period in their life.” 

Village manager Gayle Maloney said knitting the teddies also benefits the residents involved. 

“Our craft group was more than happy to be of service and give back to the local Wagga community,” she said. 

“Most of our residents have been knitting for decades and what better way to put their quick knitting skills to use than for a worthy cause.

“Knitting the teddies has significant benefits for residents, with many seeing an increase in their dexterity, improvement in their hand-eye coordination and an extended range of motion in their fingers and wrists.”

The teddies are donated to the Australian Red Cross.