Won’t you pull out a neglected skein from your stash and knit something to keep someone warm or make them feel special?
Charities we are linked with include:
Needlework Guild of Canada
Do you enjoy making items for donation to charity? Susan Loube is the convenor of a group within the Needlework Guild of Canada and invites any interested knitters, crocheters and quilters to become members of the NGC. All that is required is to contribute at least 2 articles per year or provide a cash donation.
The NGC – Toronto Branch collects and distributes these items – e.g., blankets, layettes, toys, hats, mittens, socks and sweaters – to local agencies that need them. For more information, please contact Susan at sunyr1919@gmail.com directly.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital has indicated a need for neonatal items including Bereavement (Tiny Angel) Gowns and 5″x5″ flannel squares. These squares allow parents of babies in the NICU to bond with their child when they cannot be there. Parents hold the cloth against their skin so it absorbs their personal scent, then the cloths are placed inside the incubator so the child can become familiar with their parents’ scent.
They have provided some suggested patterns. Due to limited storage space they are unable to accept other knitted and crocheted items at this time.
- Accepts:
- Neonatal bereavement (Tiny Angel) gowns in solid white or a pale pastel colour and must be made from baby yarn or soft fabric only please (no crochet, no thick material).
- Flannel squares (5″ x 5″, no pattern)
Please include the following details: number of items being donated in addition to your name, address, and email so Mount Sinai can send you a thank you and keep track of your donations.
- Drop off: Please mail your item(s) directly to Mt. Sinai at the following address:
Attention Susan Carty
Social Work Office 245
Mount Sinai Hospital
600 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1X5
Fidget Muffs for Copernicus Lodge
Copernicus Lodge (a long-term care home located at 66 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto , ON M6R 3A7) has asked for help in creating fidget muffs to calm and soothe residents who are suffering from dementia. The muff provides a source of visual, tactile and sensory stimulation at the same time as keeping hands snug and warm.
- Accepts: Knitted fidget muffs, using an eclectic mix of yarns with sensory items attached inside. Please review these guidelines for creating stimulating muffs.
- Drop off: Donations can be dropped off at Copernicus Lodge reception in zip-lock bags to the attention of Rasheeda Headley, Programs & Services Manager. Please ensure items are cleaned/sterilized prior to donation
Many of Copernicus Lodge’s residents have some form of dementia. Anyone who has experience with loved ones impacted by dementia can attest to how challenging it can be to keep our loved ones stimulated and engaged. Signs of anxiety and confusion can manifest themselves by an individual wringing their hands constantly, hitting their face/body and/or grabbing at things in the distance. The use of fidget muffs, also called twiddlemuffs, can help calm and soothe people suffering from dementia.
What is a fidget muff?
It’s a knitted hand muff using an eclectic mix of yarns with sensory items attached to the muff. The muff provides a source of visual, tactile and sensory stimulation at the same time as keeping hands snug and warm. Here’s where you can help.
We’re asking knitters if you can help make fidget muffs to donate to Copernicus’ Lodge residents and/or help spread the word. Here is a link to tutorial on knitting fidget muffs:
https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/c/article/how-to-knit-a-twiddlemuff
Things to keep in mind:
· Avoid using buttons or any materials that can be ripped off and become a choking hazard
· Materials used should be easy to wash (i.e. can be put in the washing machine)
You can drop off the fidget muffs in a sealed zip-lock bag at:
- Copernicus Lodge Reception desk
- Attention: Rasheeda Headley, Programs and Services Manager
For more information, and/or questions you may have, please contact Mary Oko at
copernicusfc@gmail.com
Knitted Knockers
Knitted Knockers are soft, comfortable handcrafted breast forms, made with love by volunteer knitters and crocheters, for women who have had mastectomies or surgery to the breast. Placed into most regular bras, they can provide a suitable alternative to traditional prostheses. They are soft, beautiful, light, huggable, and free to anyone who requests them.
Knitted Knockers of Canada is an organization dedicated to providing FREE Knitted Knockers to women in need across Canada. We are funded by donations only and run by volunteers.
- Accepts: Handcrafted breast prostheses for breast cancer survivors. You can find patterns, videos, as well as helpful FAQs at www.knittedknockerscanada.com.
- Drop off: In Toronto, Knockers can be dropped off at the following yarn shops: Knitomatic, PassionKnit, Romni Wools, and The Yarn Guy.
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Princess Margaret is one of the largest cancer centres in the world, providing invaluable services to individuals and families dealing with cancer. Consider donating knitted items to help to keep inpatients warm and remind them that someone is thinking about them.
- Accepts: Fingerless mitts, bed slippers, lap blankets, chemo caps, scarves & shawls.
- Drop off: Due to a current reduction in volunteers and storage space, PMCC regrets that it is unable to accept knitted donations at this time.
Street Knit Toronto
We can’t knit shelter, but we can do the next best thing. Street Knit Toronto is asking you to put your needles together and spend some time knitting some warmth into garments to keep someone warm during the winter. All items will be donated to homeless outreach programs.
- Accepts: Warm hats, mitts, scarves, and socks, with the highest demand for men’s items, although women and children also end up in shelters. Street Knit also donates handmade toys at Christmas.
- Drop off: Donations can be dropped off at Knitomatic. However, Street Knit’s meetings are currently on hold due to COVID.
