When Susan Kelly moved to Saint Andrews from Ontario, she wanted to meet new people and give back, so she created a chapter on Project Linus for Charlotte County.
Project Linus is an organization that provides hand-made blankets to people in need across the country. The group quickly grew, with 30 members joining. It has also taught at least 12 people to crochet.
“Honestly, it was like an explosion within the first year,” she said in an interview. “We made over 200 blankets. Just amazing.”
Kelly said there isn’t a criteria for someone to get a blanket, it’s for anyone.
“Basically, my aim, to be honest, is to give a blanket to every kid in Charlotte County.”
“Kids are stressed these days,” she said. “When you talk to teachers in schools, I think since COVID and things like that, kids are really having a tough time, as are adults actually. With the increase in prices, you know, food is an issue. So, basically, the blankets are for kids who are feeling stressed.”
Children with health issues are also recipients of the blankets.
“Basically, my aim, to be honest, is to give a blanket to every kid in Charlotte County,” she said. “Wouldn’t that be nice?”
It’s also been valuable for Kelly and her fellow crafters socially. As they carefully piece together the colourful yarn, they talk and laugh.
Yarn isn’t the only thing to find at a crafters club on Monday’s at Wesleyan Church. (Nathalie Sturgeon/CHCO TV)
It led them to name the group “laugh-out-loud” crafts.
“It’s just brought such a wealth of warmth to my life, like having a blanket. So, these women are my blanket and it’s fabulous,” Kelly said.
The other crafters also appreciate the social aspect.
“I joined just because I really love working with crafts. I love working with my hands, and I wanted to meet new people, and, just new to town,” said fellow crafter Anne Sutherland.
All say they enjoy socialization, but the act of doing good.
“I was also anxious to meet people, and it’s been a real bonus for my mental health in that we laugh,” said group member Heather Heath. “I have never laughed so heartily since joining this group. We have a lot of fun, and we also learn, and I love the fact that there’s an element of doing good for others.”
For another, giving to others is a nice way to share the craft.
“So, to have something to give to others is always nice,” said Natasha Pearen. “And as a congregation here at Wesley, we really want to support this work to help out children and youth in our county.”
