Sewing for Kids

http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com

sewing-for-kids-organization-marks-ten-year-milestone

Hidden by racks upon racks

of colourful cloth and clothing,

Sewing for Kids

celebrated its 10th anniversary

Tuesday afternoon.

The local non-profit organization has been sewing outfits made from excess or unwanted materials for needy children in Grande Prairie since 2003.

The volunteers make everything from bibs and change pads to mittens and dresses, relying entirely on donated fabric for the outfits.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” said Joey Farnsworth on how far Sewing for Kids has come.

She started the project in her basement 10 years ago with a couple of friends looking to get rid of extra cloth lying around the house.

“We recycle, reuse and hand along everything,” said Farnsworth. “There is extremely little waste.”

Once the finishing touches are made, the clothing is distributed by different charitable organizations in Grande Prairie.

“There’s no cost to anyone,” explained Lorena Ramsankar, who has been sewing with the organization for more than three years. “Social agencies zero in on the people who have the needs.”

It’s delicate work, but Ramsankar and the other volunteers feel it’s worth every minute of their time.

“It’s rewarding because at the end of the day we know we’re making life a little bit easier for many children,” she said.

“One of our goals is self-esteem and when a child wears clothing that is prettier than something they can pick off the rack, that contributes to their self-esteem.”

From humble beginnings in Farnsworth’s basement, Sewing for Kids has expanded to a team of more than 15 members. They have eight sewing machines, furniture to store it and piles of fabric waiting to be cut. But without any funding, Farnsworth said she is always looking for more.

“We want to keep this up until every child in Grande Prairie receives a minimum of one new outfit per year that’s never been previously worn,” she said.

“So as long as we have sewers and material, we’re going to keep providing.”

The group cuts, stitches and knits every Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Capstan Hauling building on 9511-154 Avenue.(Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada)

For more information call Joey at 780-532-8259.

elizabeth.mcsheffrey@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @DHTElizabeth

 

Dear hearts, this is my favorite charity.  

Is there a need in your neighbourhood for stitching love together.

Help the author help the kids Sewing for Kids

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