Hand-knitted goods for those who really need them

There’s bound to be a few upset grandchildren this Christmas season when they find out that all the sewing their grandmothers did won’t end up on their hands.

The Busy Fingers Sewing Club, a group of about 18 dedicated women at the Sterling House seniors residence in Fort Garry, have spent the past two-and-a-half years donating their homespun wears to charities around the city that cater to the needy.

Last year alone, the group donated more than 700 hand-knitted items to more than nine charities throughout the city.

And it doesn’t go unappreciated.

“They’re wonderful. It shows how people care and the families who receive the goods really appreciate something that someone has put a lot of caring and love into,” said Kerry Mushumanski, house manager at Ronald McDonald House.

They make a variety of items including mitts, toques, scarves, blankets, lap rugs and quilts.

All the materials are raised so it costs members nothing. Supplies are donated to the group or obtained by fundraising activities.

“We’re very fortunate here at Sterling House. The tenants in the building donate money or supplies to the group. We hold a raffle every year and really have no trouble getting supplies,” said group president Ruth Mollison, 85, adding that in a way, all the tenants of Sterling House are involved in the group.

A cabinet on the wall of the brightly lit room where they work is bulging with unopened bags of colourful yarns, patterns and other supplies.

Many in the group haven’t knitted in years and joined the group as a way of socializing with other residents of the building. But like riding a bike, some soon discovered they could still do it.

“Some people bring in new members who say ‘ I haven’t knit in years, I don’t remember how to and before you know it they’re on their way to finishing some mitts,” Mollison said.

Socializing is an important aspect in this group.

Members casually chat away while their fingers are busy at work.

“I get a lot of pleasure from knitting and the relationships I’ve made with the other members. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon,” said Grace.

Busy Fingers only has two provisions to the charities they donate to.

All items must be donated and not sold and receiving donors must pick up of the goods.

In the past they have donated goods to Ronald McDonald House, the Siloam, Vineyard and Lighthouse missions, Misericordia personal care home, Winnipeg School Division and Villa Rosa to name a few.

Some of the discussion on this day involves ways to increase their aid around the city.

“I think we’ve barely scratched the surface of reaching the needy people of this city,” one lady said.

“We hope people enjoy our goods as much as we like to make it,” Mollison said.