Via Carpatia EGTC donated 179 crocheted octopuses to the tiniest little heroes

Together with Rastislav Trnka, President of the Košice Self-Governing Region, Via Carpatia EGTC presented a beautiful and symbolic gift to the Neonatal Department of Penta Hospitals Michalovce – 179 crocheted octopuses and other small handmade gifts for premature babies.

The octopuses were lovingly crafted by the talented senior women who regularly meet at the Active Ageing Centre. Every single octopus reflects their time, patience and care. Altogether, they devoted approximately 358 hours of handcrafting to this heartfelt initiative.

The octopuses’ tentacles resemble the umbilical cord, giving premature babies in incubators something soft and comforting to hold, helping them feel safe and secure.

The donation was presented on behalf of the community by four senior volunteers, representing all the women who took part in this wonderful initiative.

We would like to thank our senior volunteers for their kindness and willingness to help, as well as the healthcare professionals for their dedicated daily care of the youngest patients. We hope these crocheted octopuses will bring comfort and a sense of security to the babies, while offering their parents a little reassurance during these challenging days.