Introducing Swatchy Doc

New Year? New Swatchy!



This is Swatchy Doc, reporting for duty. I made him for a very important assignment.

My own doctor, Dr. G. (no, not that Dr. G) founded an HIV/AIDS program in Botswana a few years ago. With support from his university and pharmaceutical companies, the project has grown to a full-time presence, training for residents, and improved care throughout the area. A few months ago, I was chatting with him about it, and he told me that they work with an orphanage where 85% of the children are AIDS orphans. Because of the improved access to drugs, only 15% of those children are HIV positive themselves, but they've lost their primary caregivers to AIDS. I asked him if the children needed anything, and offered to knit something.

My friends over on Ravelry came through, and we put together a donation of blankets, socks and toys for the children. Swatchy Doc came with me to my most recent doctor's appointment to deliver the gifts.



Dr. G. was so happy and surprised! He will be carrying the gifts to Botswana in a few weeks.



Swatchy Doc will be riding along. Dr. G. promised to send me a few pictures of Swatchy Doc with the children and others. I'm hoping he can become a new mascot for the project. And we will be collecting knitted items again for donation, so email us if you are interested in donating!