Knitters crafting handmade presents for long-term care workers
With each stitch, Irene Kellins and her crafting cohorts are getting closer to their goal of creating a handmade knitted, quilted, or crocheted present for every long term care worker in Huron County.
“Through the pandemic, everyone had it hard, but I think they had it even harder. Because, they were dealing with people who couldn’t be with their families,” says Kellins, a lifelong knitter who runs Stitches with a Twist, in Blyth, Ont. “They were the families for those people. They need to be recognized for the extra effort they put in.”
Since early August, Huron County’s Crafters for Caregivers have been busy making everything from hats, scarves and mitts, to hair scrunchies and Afghans for Huron County’s 924 long-term care (LTC) workers.
So far, the group of knitters and crocheters have nearly 600 crafted creations made, with another 350 or so to go.
Members of Huron County Crafters for Caregivers handmake crafted and quilted creations for Huron County’s 924 long-term care workers in Blyth, Ont. on Oct. 3, 2022. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
“Special mention should be made to the Grand Bend Prayer Shawl Society. They made some very large donations. Very much appreciated. And there’s people who just come in with two or three crafted creations in a bag. 10 things in a bag, and just want to donate it,” says Kellins.
Huron County’s Crafters for Caregivers had hoped to have all the presents completed by Thanksgiving, but there are a lot more LTC workers than they anticipated, meaning it may be November or December before their heartfelt gifts of thanks are in the hands of local LTC workers.
“Why did you sign up for this? Because they deserve it,” says Jane Smyth. “They do lots of stuff for us, and don’t always get recognized, so if we can help a little, why not.”
Kellins adds, “It was important to use what we do, knitting, crocheting, crafting, to show people that we were thinking of them. We care about what they do, and we want to make them feel better.”
Three drop-off locations for people wanting to donate their quilted creations, including at Stitches with a Twist and Maple and Moose in Blyth, along with Forever and Beyond in Goderich, Ont.
You can also visit the group’s Facebook page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.