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Author: Janine LeGal Published: 2:01 AM CST, Saturday, December 11, 2021
Michaela McKenzie/Winnipeg Free Press
Margaret Young, long-term knitting volunteer (left) and church office administrator Janet Anmitt (helping to distribute yarn, etc.) collect knitting for the Christmas Cheer Committee at Charleswood United Church in Winnipeg on Thursday Taste.
Margaret Young's home is a paradise for weavers.
Margaret Young's home is a paradise for weavers.
Surrounded by hand-knitted baby sweaters, snoods and 125 donated hats, the retired teacher has been crafting coats for those who need extra warmth. Her diligence is attributed to the knitting project of Charles Wood United Church, which donates a large number of handmade products to the Christmas cheer every year.
Young's fond memories of working with children during Christmas inspired her volunteer service.
“We often make gift baskets in school; students will get involved. It's nice to see,” said the energetic 76-year-old.
Young likes knitting, especially for young children. During her 20 years as a volunteer, she has witnessed the coming and going of many knitters.
"It's very relaxing, I found. For children, I usually don't knit sweaters larger than two or three yards. I like knitting, and Cheer Board provides yarn for knitting items all year round. It has taken off (but) for many years Here we have lost some old weavers."
Knitting has been shown to have a therapeutic effect, and due to its calm rhythmic movement, it can lower blood pressure, depression and anxiety. This is also good for one's happiness and provides a sense of mission. Each creation is unique and is often given to others.
Receiving knitwear will bring comfort and care.
Charleswood United Church organizes about 50 cheer board gift baskets every year. The church provides yarn for those who want to weave for this cause.
"People go in and take whatever they want—everything will come back," Yang said. "I know a lot of people use their own yarn.
"Everything is anonymous, we never know what will happen. It's amazing-our church has 50 gift hampers every year. We get the name from the cheering committee; we picked a family," she said.
"If they have a baby, a four-year-old and a six-year-old, we will try to knit baby blankets and (age-appropriate) toys. A lady made those curly scarves for a year, so every mom got one. This It's amazing," Yang added.
"In previous years, we had 600 to 900 hats, 100 sweaters, and other knitwear. The knitting was done independently by members of the congregation throughout the year."
Knitwear is collected and displayed in the church.
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"We put it on the table, and four to six buffet tables were piled with sweaters and baby blankets. Usually we have dedication, but there is no service for COVID. We have several people taking pictures and posting them in our announcement. "
For Young, weaving is a solitary act, but donating her handmade products will bring a sense of social connection. With the help of her husband, Young sent many bags of donations from her and others to the cheering committee.
“We have 110 weavers on record that supply us regularly,” said volunteer coordinator Debra Halligan. "We have regular customers knitting alone at home, and weavers knitting in groups in various nursing homes and groups. Of course, this does not include those who simply put down their goods.
"People in Onanole and Grosse Isle, Elie, St Andrews, and Gimli are weaving cheer boards. This year, we seem to receive much more than in previous years-this may be the cause and effect of the COVID lockdown and people trying new hobbies."
The Cheer Committee welcomes donations of hats, snoods and sweaters. Warm hand-made jackets are always popular. Knitting is also included in all children's gifts.
Janine LeGal St. Boniface Community Correspondent
Janine LeGal is the community correspondent for St. Boniface.
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You can call 204-989-5693 to receive donations to the Christmas cheerleading; or mail: PO Box 51089 RPO Tyndall Park, Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3C6.
A message from Shawna Bell, Executive Director of the Christmas Lara Club: "In the past year, our community has changed a lot, and the need for support has grown. With many organizations in Winnipeg Likewise, the Cheer Committee is working hard to help those most in need. Kai Madsen has devoted his life to helping families spend the Christmas holiday. We miss him very much. The Christmas Cheer Committee is committed to making this season a memorial to Kai for everyone The better season.
Bell added: "A very generous donor once again offered to match all donations (up to $60,000) through the Miracle on the Mountain!"
Thinking of participating this year? Consider the Feed-A-Family program.
Businesses, churches, colleagues and friends join forces to build a gift basket for families in need.
For more information, please call 204-989-5680, or visit http://wfp.to/1Vv online.
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