At 96 years young, Chrystal Perry of Emmaus Home is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. With nimble fingers and a generous heart, Chrystal spends her days knitting adorable teddy bears and soft toys—each one destined to bring comfort to children facing challenges.

Over the years, Chrystal has knitted everything from jumpers to blankets, but now she enjoys knitting for charity. Her handcrafted creations have found homes with the hospital and ambulance services, the Salvation Army, and, more recently, with CareFlight, where they are given to children affected by illness or injury.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are. There’s something you can contribute,” Chrystal says, her knitting needles clicking away with practiced ease.

This charitable spirit runs in the family. Chrystal’s daughter Janet also knits beanies for CareFlight, continuing the legacy of giving. The connection to CareFlight came through Kylie, the daughter of another Emmaus resident, Beverly Osborne. Kylie, who works with CareFlight, was thrilled to receive Chrystal’s toys and even snapped a photo of one of her teddy bears buckled into an airplane seat.

Chrystal’s love for knitting began nearly 90 years ago. “I must have annoyed my five sisters so much they eventually taught me how to knit,” she laughs. “I think I was about five or six when I first started.”

She fondly recalls her early knitting days, helping with button bands on cardigans while her sisters handled the buttonholes.

After her husband passed away six years ago, Chrystal made the decision to move into care so her daughters wouldn’t have to worry.

“I said, ‘This is not good enough. You’ve all got families. You can’t be looking after me every day.’”

When a room became available at Emmaus—Room 7, her lucky number—she knew it was meant to be.

“Oh, I couldn’t be happier,” she says. “The people here treat me like family. We laugh all the time. Laughter is great medicine.”

Chrystal enjoys the freedom to come and go, the delicious meals, and the constant support from staff. “They just say, ‘Come on, Chrystal darling, we’ll do this,’ and I go along with it. At 96, I’ve done so many things, seen all the area, and I’m content to be here.”

Her three daughters visit regularly, always asking if she needs anything. “I try to think of something but there’s nothing I need,” she smiles. “If I want a different colour wool, the girls will get it for me.”

Born in Kempsey, Chrystal’s life journey took her across New South Wales with her husband, a schoolteacher, living in places like Peak Hill, Eden and Cootamundra. Now, she’s found peace and purpose in Port Macquarie, surrounded by love, laughter, and yarn.

Chrystal Perry is a shining example of how staying active, connected, and generous can bring joy—not just to others, but to oneself.