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Williams Lake volunteers pass winter sewing for those in need

The Canadian charity is looking for sewing machines and other items which can be repurposed
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Local volunteers help make toys, clothes receiving blankets and much more for those in need in developing countries.

Volunteers are passing the winter months by finding, making and collecting items to donate to Canadian Food for Children (CFFC).  

Things like cleaned tuna cans, wax or candles, bed skirts, pillowcases and knitted hats are all items which can be repurposed by the CFFC to be sent to folks struggling around the world.  

Bel Hume, a volunteer local to the Williams Lake area, encourages people to take their time to make a receiving blanket, clothing for babies, mid-wife bags or a simple dress with items commonly found in their home. A used, but still functional pillowcase can be turned into a receiving blanket by following a simple pattern which Hume can share over a phone call.  

Hume said if you don't know how to sew, you can always get together with a friend who can, and you can play your part by helping to cut and pin fabrics. CFFC can also provide fabric to those who want to help but may not have any spare supplies. She said it’s lots of fun to come together with friends and invent, recycle and reuse items.  

“I feel more blessed because I’ve made fabulous connections,” Hume said about her experience as a volunteer for CFFC. “It changes your perspective...when you get together and do something for others.” 

CFFC was started back in 1980 by Dr. Andrew Simone and his wife Joan. The organization is completely volunteer run. The group of volunteers in Williams Lake try to send out items to the CFFC’s Penticton warehouse twice a year.  

Items eventually arrive to countries such as Cameroon, Haiti, Angola and Peru and are distributed to hospitals, schools and families in need. The shipping containers are then left behind to be used as a home.  

Medical kits which would otherwise go to waste are always needed in hospitals, and sewing kits are great for families to make ends meet or for schools where children can learn and share sewing skills. If you have an old sewing machine you no longer use, or one that may not be working, CFFC can try and repair it to then be sent overseas.  

Hume wrote to the Tribune about a previous volunteer whose ambition was to make 1,000 pillowcase dresses. She reached 923 dresses before passing on, but the group continues to make pillowcase dresses today to put a smile on another’s face.  

If you'd like to help out, contact Bel Hume at 250-398-8740.



Andie Mollins, Local Journalism Initiative

About the Author: Andie Mollins, Local Journalism Initiative

Born and raised in Southeast N.B., I spent my childhood building snow forts at my cousins' and sandcastles at the beach.
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