26/05/2026
On Friday 15th May, we proudly marked the conclusion of the Operation Woolly Mammoth campaign with the delivery of 130 handmade blankets to Age UK Hertfordshire.
The blankets were received by Mark Hanna, Chief Executive of Age UK Hertfordshire, and Misty Fletcher, Age Friendly Live Better Locality Lead for Dacorum and St Albans. The collection was handed over by Debbie Gilard on behalf of Quantum Care.
Operation Woolly Mammoth was launched in January to bring together our care home residents, staff, families, volunteers and local communities in a shared effort to knit handmade blankets for older people across Hertfordshire. Participants contributed knitted squares, donated wool, taught others to knit and helped assemble the finished blankets, creating a truly community-led initiative focused on comfort, kindness and connection.
The campaign not only produced 130 blankets, but also encouraged social interaction, creativity and wellbeing among residents, relatives, staff and local communities. Knitting groups took place across all Quantum Care homes, with many new friendships formed through the shared experience of knitting together for a common cause.
The blankets will now be distributed by Age UK Hertfordshire to older people living within local communities across Hertfordshire.
Mark Hanna said:
“Operation Woolly Mammoth has been a wonderful example of communities coming together to support older people. These beautifully handmade blankets will provide comfort and kindness to 130 older people across Hertfordshire and we are incredibly grateful to everyone at Quantum Care and all those who contributed their time, creativity and generosity to make this initiative such a success.”
Debbie Gilard said:
“I am incredibly proud of the amazing efforts shown by our residents, teams, families, volunteers and the wider community throughout Operation Woolly Mammoth. What started as a simple idea became something truly special, bringing people together through kindness, creativity and shared purpose. I would like to sincerely thank everyone in our local communities who knitted squares, donated wool, volunteered their time or supported the project in any way. Together, we have created something that will make a real difference to older people across Hertfordshire.”
