An update to the request in the London Press “Reader to Reader” column.

The response has been overwhelming with over 65 donations to date! We are so appreciative of everyone who has contacted us and sorted their yarn in preparation for it all to be picked up. A big thank you to London Yarns for the post on their website; this resulted in some additional donations. Also, a huge thanks to all members who have picked up yarn around London and beyond.

I adopted two cats this Family Day weekend from the Catty Shack and wanted to thank you for the lovely crocheted blankets that were provided for the cats. It was nice because they were able to take home something with their scents they were accustomed to. It meant a lot. Thanks again. Keep up the great work

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT

As of January 16, 2024, the Club is proud to have donated 4145 Baby, 6666 Lap, 7444 Full and 504 Silent Auction blankets to local charitable organizations in the London community, The estimated value of these blankets is $11,372,290. 3377 pet blankets (typically made from donated yarn not suitable for regular blankets) have been donated to local animal shelters and organizations.

Introducing our second annual fundraising campaign – for more information please refer to the Monetary Donations page.

Update – As of March 10, 2024 the total donated is $13,408!! Although the target has been reached, we appreciate continued support throughout the year. Thanks to all who have contributed to this campaign.

FROM BLANKET RECIPIENTS

Blankets were delivered to a family that lost everything in a recent fire, nothing can be salvaged. They should be moving to a furnished rental soon and thanks to the community the kids are well clothed. Reaction as the blankets were delivered – “The 7 year old came to the door and was jumping up and down with excitement. She LOVES it because it looks like a rainbow. Just wanted to let you know how happy this little girl is tonight.” (January 2024

“Thank you so much, to ALL of you at the Crochet Club, for your generosity and kindness, to so many, for many years. I was able to choose a couple of your beautiful blankets, this past week. Cheers my heart, every day, brightens up, one of my chairs – red and blue, two of my favourite colors. I know from experience, that kindness and giving to others, brings a joy that we can not put a price on. Thank you, once again. Blessings to each and every one of you. Eunice.” (May 2023)

Reported by one of our members who delivered one of our blankets to a Meals on Wheels client along with her meal at Christmas- “She was quite emotional when speaking of the lovely blanket she was gifted. It truly brought her comfort and a smile this holiday season. It was even great that the blanket happens to match her bedroom décor and colour.” (December 2022)

FROM AGENCIES

London Community Chaplaincy

I am writing this letter of support for the Crochet Club of London. Each year, we are the recipient of many of the blankets their hardworking volunteers create. The blankets meet a practical and tangible need for warmth in London. Most of our families do not have the resources to buy warm bedding for the cold winter months, Additionally, bed bugs and head lice make the need for new blankets a very real one. Beyond the practical benefits, the blankets are also a tangible way to show the lonely that others are thinking of them. Poverty is a very lonely road and the gifts of these blankets remind our clients that they have people in the community standing with them in hard times.

Ronald McDonald House

For ten years, The Crochet Club of London has been donating to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario to provide comfort for families travelling for their children’s medical needs.

From blankets made with love and the softest yarn, to the coziest slippers to keep feet of all sizes warm and small teddies for bedside comfort too. The handmade goodies provide comfort to children and their families calling RMH their “home-away-from-home.”

The Crochet Club of London also supports RMH-SWO fundraising efforts by donating their handmade projects to our Signature event silent auctions. The gifts from the Crochet Club reach beyond the doors of RMH and also touch the hearts of those across Southwestern Ontario attending our Curling Bonspiels and Golf Classics.

Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling – one that the Crochet Club of London makes possible with their countless donations.

Mission Services of London

On behalf of Mission Services of London, I would like to extend our sincerest appreciation and gratitude for The Crochet Club of London’s recent support to our organization. We were very pleased to receive the many blankets made by your members for our branches.

All of the blankets have been distributed to our branches: Rotholme Womens’ & Family Shelter, Community Mental health Programs, Quintin Warner House, Men’s Mission, and to the Emergency Voucher Program run from our Mission Store.

We are blessed to have you as a partner in the fight against homelessness and poverty in our community. Thanks you for your caring for the most vulnerable of our neighbours. Your generous donation will help us to provide warmth, comfort, and to maintain dignity and hope within our clients.

How the silent auction blankets help the community!

From Big Brothers Big Sisters

“I am writing to sincerely thank you for your generous contribution to the silent auction at this year’s Big Bash Casino Royale presented by Harrison Pensa. Your gift was part of an incredible array of items that brought excitement to our event and generated just under $9.000 for our organization.

It costs our organization $1,500 to match a child on our waitlist with a mentor and support the match for one year.

Thank you for this. And thank you for helping us to grow and enhance our mentoring programs. Your involvement in our 2023 Big Bash is igniting the potential of so many young people in our community.

From London Central Lions & London East Lions Clubs

“I am writing on behalf of the London Central Lions & London East Lions Clubs to thank you very much for your generous contribution toward our “Colour the Night Gold” fundraiser for ChildCan. We are very pleased to tell you that the total amount raised was over $30,000.

ChildCan and Lions are very appreciative of your support.