Knitting together some Cheer Board magic

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This article was published 11/12/2021 (1407 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Margaret Young’s home is a knitter’s paradise.

Surrounded by hand-knit baby sweaters, neck warmers and 125 donated hats, the retired teacher has been meticulously creating outerwear for those needing a little extra help staying warm. Her industriousness is due to the Charleswood United Church knitting program, which donates generous amounts of handmade items to the Christmas Cheer Board every year.

Young’s fond memories of working with children during the Christmas season inspired her to volunteer her time.

“We often did hampers in the schools; the students would get involved. It was nice to see,” says the energetic 76-year-old.

Young enjoys knitting, particularly for younger children, and in her two decades as a volunteer has seen many knitters come and go.

“It’s relaxing, I find. I usually don’t knit bigger than a size two or three, for the little ones. I like to knit and the Cheer Board supplies the yarn, which is used to knit items all year round. It’s taken off (but) over the years we’ve lost some of our older knitters.”

The act of knitting has been shown to have therapeutic effects, lowering blood pressure, depression and anxiety because of its calming rhythmic movements. It’s also good for one’s well-being, offering a sense of purpose, with the knowledge each creation is unique and often gifted to others.

Receiving a knitted item brings with it thoughts of comfort and care.

Charleswood United Church puts together approximately 50 Cheer Board hampers every year. Yarn is made available at the church for those who want to knit for the cause.

“People go in, take whatever they want — it all comes back,” says Young. “I know a lot of people use their own yarn.

“Everything is anonymous, we never know what will come in. It’s magic — 50 hampers in our church every year. We get the names from the Cheer Board; we pick out a family,” she says.

“If they have a baby, a four-year-old and a six-year-old, we try to knit baby blankets and (age appropriate) toys. One lady did those curly scarves one year, so every mom got one of those. It’s just so magical,” Young adds.

“In previous years, we have had anywhere from 600 to 900 hats, 100 or so sweaters, as well as other knitted items. The knitting is done independently by congregation members throughout the year.”

The knitted contributions are collected, then displayed at the church.

“We put it out on tables, four to six buffet tables piled high with sweaters, baby blankets. Normally we have a dedication, but with COVID there are no services. We have several people take pictures and post them in our bulletin.”

For Young, knitting is a solitary act, but donating her handmade items brings with it a sense of social connection. With the aid of her husband, Young delivers the many bags of donated items, both hers and from others, to the Cheer Board.

“We have on record 110 knitters who regularly supply us, “ says Debra Halligan, volunteer co-ordinator. “We have regulars who knit alone in their homes and knitters who do it in groups at various senior homes and groups. Of course, that does not include the people who simply drop off their goods.

“People from as far away as Onanole and Grosse Isle, Elie, St Andrews and Gimli knit for the Cheer Board. This year, it would seem that we have received much more than in previous years — a cause and effect perhaps of COVID lockdowns and people trying new hobbies.”

The Cheer Board welcomes the donation of hats, neck warmers, and sweaters. Warm, hand-crafted outerwear is always a hit. Knitting is also included in all children’s gifts.

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