Pupils get the warm fuzzies with slippers

NATASHA MARTIN/Fairfax NZ

GIVING COMFORT: Geraldine Lioness Club president Judy Stevens fits slippers for Jacob Thomas-Cunniffe, 5. The club has donated 130 pairs to Geraldine Primary School’s junior section.

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Knitted slippers will keep tiny toes warm in the classroom this winter, thanks to the Geraldine Lioness Club.

Club members spent countless hours knitting 130 pairs of the slippers and yesterday donated them to the junior section of Geraldine Primary School.

Lioness members started their knitted slipper project in 2011. They donated their first collection to New Brighton School after the February 22 earthquake.

Club president Judy Stevens said it was a case of doing what they could for those in need.

"There was a request that came over the radio . . . for slippers for the children, so that's how it all started."

She said members decided to do the project again, but this time wanted to give to a local group.

Principal Lindsay Robertson said the donation was a generous gesture.

"This is wonderful community stuff."

He said it was great for the children to learn that people outside the school were thinking of them.

The children were eager to try the slippers on for size. Many said they were keen to keep them on all day, but were quick to confirm they would not be wearing them outside.

Nicole Schoneveld, 5, was impressed with her pair.

"I like the colours and they are the right size. I like them," she said.

Lilly Grant, 5, also liked her slippers: "They're cool."

- © Fairfax NZ News