Words Ann Ilott
Photos Betsy Rose
The Sidney Knitters and Crafters have been gathering weekly for nearly two decades, united by yarn, friendship and a shared mission to bring comfort to those in need. Our story began in 2006 at a Sidney retirement home, where a small group of knitters first came together. Like many community groups, we faced a pause during Covid shutdowns, but our determination to continue never wavered. With gratitude, we found a new home at St. Paul’s United Church in Sidney, where we meet every Friday morning.
Today, up to 30 members share not only knitting needles and crochet hooks but also stories, laughter and companionship. Together we create blankets, toys, toques, slippers, washcloths, baby hats, sweaters, prayer shawls and more. Each stitch carries warmth and care, destined for someone who needs it most.
Our work is distributed worldwide through two remarkable organizations: Canada Comforts Society and the Compassionate Resource Warehouse. Canada Comforts, a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, ensures every handmade item reaches a person in need. Partnering with the Compassionate Resource Warehouse in Esquimalt, our creations travel far beyond Sidney. Shipments are carefully packed into containers bound for orphanages, hospitals, refugee camps and villages. Recently, shipments have reached Ghana, Sierra Leone and Ukraine. Many communities have been impoverished by war or natural disasters. Whether it’s a teddy bear for a child displaced by conflict or an afghan for someone facing illness, our projects carry a message of hope and solidarity.
In addition, many of our toques are sent to children in Northern Canada through another charity, Toques for Kids. Our prayer shawls are created for the congregation of St. Paul’s United Church.
However, behind every blanket and bear lies a challenge – obtaining yarn! We receive no outside funding, and our supplies depend entirely on donations. Members contribute what they can, and we search thrift stores, garage sales and online listings, but demand always outpaces supply. Yarn prices rise each year, and many of our members are seniors on fixed incomes. We gratefully receive yarn donations as it’s our greatest need! Every ball of yarn becomes part of something meaningful, stitched with love and care, and sent to someone who will treasure it.
If you would like to support our work, please consider donating yarn. Contributions can be arranged by emailing st.paul4events@gmail.com or by donating in person on Friday mornings at St. Paul’s. Your generosity helps us continue to knit comfort, joy and connection for people near and far.
At Sidney Knitters and Crafters, we believe small acts of kindness, looped together, can wrap the world in warmth.
