Comfort in a difficult moment
When a child ends up in hospital, the environment can feel overwhelming: unfamiliar noises, bright lights, and endless stranger voices. For four-year-old Zyan and his mother Guinevere Laurenco, the trip from GP to Canberra Hospital became a test of nerves and endurance. They arrived with little more than hope, not packing toys or clothes for the unexpected stay. Yet in the midst of medical worries, a simple, handmade gift appeared—
“Blue squiddy,” a knitted octopus that became a source of comfort for Zyan. It was soft, colorful, and the right size to hold close to his chest. It wasn’t just a toy; it was a coping tool that helped him feel safe during a stressful experience.
Zyan’s small, blue friend was not an isolated incident. It is part of a larger mission run by Good Omen Goodeze (GOG), a Canberra-based charity that creates “comfort goodies” for patients across the ACT. The volunteers knit, crochet, and assemble items designed to ease anxiety, provide a sense of normalcy, and offer a tangible reminder that someone cares.
Meet the people behind the good deeds
GOG has grown from a modest hobby group into a network of more than 265 volunteers, all driven by the belief that comfort can be crafted. Each year, the team produces more than 6,000 handmade gifts—from blankets and teddy bears to beanies and small fidget toys—and delivers them to hospitals and care centers throughout the region.
“It’s not just a toy,” explains Julie Samuels, a committee member who manages the day-to-day flow of donations and deliveries. The tactile gifts are designed to become safety items for patients—little anchors they can carry with them long after a hospital visit ends. The impact is measurable too: staff report reduced stress and a calmer environment during procedures, which can lead to quicker, gentler care for patients of all ages.
Beyond the hospital walls: building community
The appeal of GOG goes beyond the items themselves. The group serves as a social lifeline for Canberra residents who feel isolated, offering a welcoming space where people from diverse backgrounds can connect through knitting, conversation, and shared purpose. The work is described as a bridge—between the loneliness of life in a big city and the warmth that comes from contributing to someone else’s wellbeing.
Volunteers come from all walks of life, including newcomers to Canberra like Deidre McCurdy. An octogenarian knitter, Deidre joined GOG after moving from Queensland and quickly found a sense of belonging that helped her settle in a new community. For many, the weekly sessions are as important as the finished blankets or bears: they are opportunities to reassert control, craft meaning, and forge friendships across generations and cultures.
The ripple effects of a small gesture
The practical benefits of these comfort goodies are significant. For patients, a treasured item can ease anxiety, improve mood, and foster a positive association with healthcare experiences that might otherwise feel cold or intimidating. For families like Guinevere Laurenco’s, the generosity offers a precious memory from a trying time, one that can help a child face future hospital visits with less fear.
Volunteers also note a sense of pride and self-esteem that comes from contributing regularly to someone else’s wellbeing. It’s a reminder that community bonds can form in even the smallest acts of kindness—and that those bonds can endure long after a hospital stay ends.
A lasting memory, a hopeful future
Zyan’s recovery was quick, but his attachment to “blue squiddy” endures. His mum hopes the keepsake will ease future hospital experiences and turn them into memories of care rather than fear. The message from GOG is clear: comfort can be crafted, and communities can rally around those in need through creativity, compassion, and collaboration.
As Canberra continues to grow and families navigate the challenges of health care, groups like Good Omen Goodeze remind us that healing isn’t only about medicine—it’s also about the little things that remind patients they are seen, valued, and supported.
