Mourne Textiles weaving rainbows of hope for Hospice

by Kim Mullahey · Published April 22, 2020 · Updated February 27, 2023

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MOURNE Textiles in County Down, Northern Ireland has been weaving rainbows of hope for the ‘Now, More Than Ever’ Northern Ireland Hospice fundraising appeal to cover shortfalls in fundraising and charity shop sales amidst Covid-19 restrictions in place for the foreseeable future.

Karen Hay-Edie of Mourne Textiles weaving rainbows of hope for NIHospice

The company has designed two rainbow scarves that have been inspired by rainbows children have drawn and placed in their windows to show support for frontline healthcare staff in the coronavirus pandemic.

Mario Sierra wearing the narrow stripe scarf woven at Mourne Textiles

Northern Ireland Hospice annually supports more than 4,000 babies, children and adults with life-limiting conditions and their families. The ‘Now, More Than Ever’ appeal is asking for public support for all its services.

“As with much of the country, most of our suppliers have closed their doors so we had to be able to weave a product with existing yarns and complete the sewing and fringing process on site,” said Mario Sierra, who is one-half of the family-run Mourne Textiles along with his mother and renowned weaver, Karen Hay-Edie. “We also wanted to make a product that is both affordable and synonymous with our brand. As a family we agreed that a rainbow scarf was the product of choice as this could be worn to demonstrate support for those on the front line and also serve as a symbol of hope during this global crisis.”

The hand-woven rainbow of hope scarf, ready to wear in support of NIHospice

Profits from the scarves will be donated to the Northern Ireland Hospice and Children’s Hospice. The Hospice is experiencing a huge financial loss with the closure of their charity shops and suspension of fundraising events at an estimated loss of £10,000,000 by the end of this year.

“We decided we needed an emergency appeal for donations when it was clear that if we didn’t take immediate action our vital care services were at risk,” said NIHospice Chief Executive, Heather Weir. “I know this is a worrying time for everyone and many are concerned about the future. We are asking for whatever help people are able to give. Our appeal is aptly named ‘Now, More Than Ever’ because we know that our supporters who are also suffering through this crisis will want to protect our future.”