In Hobart's vibrant Midtown, nestled along Elizabeth Street, a small store with a big heart is bringing people together through creativity, compassion, and community spirit.
Lily & Dot, a local business approaching its tenth anniversary, has become a beacon of generosity and grassroots action.
Owned and run by Katinka Dineen, the store is known for its handmade gifts and its deep commitment to supporting women-focused causes and local charities.
Most recently, Lily & Dot led a nationwide community knitting and crochet project for the SHE Gynae Cancer Care Group.
The call-out was simple: help create handmade facecloths for care packs. The response was overwhelming.
"Within 48 hours, Spotlight had sold out statewide of the yarn we recommended," said Katinka.
"We aimed for 80 cloths — we received 289, from Darwin to Perth and everywhere in between."
This is just one example of how Lily & Dot mobilises kindness.
For eight years, the store has supported Tassie Mums, a local charity helping families in need.
Customers can opt to have their gifts wrapped in-store for a gold-coin donation, with every dollar going directly to the charity.
"Our customers don't just shop — they get involved," Katinka said.
"They crochet squares for blankets, they donate, they ask how they can help.
"Over time, many have become friends."
Lily & Dot also supports 1000 Hearts, a kindness project that distributes small handmade hearts to people in need of comfort. It's another way the store quietly fosters connection and care.
"We believe in supporting causes that align with our values — and those of our customers," Katinka said.
"When the community calls, we answer. And Hobart always shows up."
The City of Hobart's Warm Hearts campaign celebrates stories like these — where local businesses become pillars of compassion.
As winter settles in, Lily & Dot continues to wrap the community in warmth — not just through wool and yarn, but through generosity, and the joy of giving.