Join SAF’s heartwarming initiative to make scarves for those in need as the weather turns colder
With winter’s icy embrace right around the corner, Sustainability Action Fund Concordia’s (SAF) latest drive will leave you with a warm heart.
On Nov. 6, from 12 to 6 p.m., the SAF will be holding a knit-o-thon in the SAF office, located at 2070 Mackay St., in room EN-300.
The goal is to knit 50 scarves to distribute among the homeless.
This initiative grew organically out of the organization’s focus on social sustainability. According to Ariel Dabora, SAF’s financial vice president, various SAF members have been volunteering with the Benedict Labre House since the beginning of session. The Benedict Labre House is a day centre for the homeless focusing on providing hot meals, food bags, clothing, and hot showers to those in need.
Organized through Hillel, these visits to the Benedict Labre House every Tuesday have been instrumental to the initiative. During this period, SAF members have “been building relationships and seeing that it is getting colder out,” said Dabora. From this initial observation the concept for the knit-o-thon was born.
The event itself will be as much like a knitting circle as a marathon event. Students are welcome to stop by for as long or as little time as they wish. Volunteer instructors will be on hand to aid novice knitters in their first creations. Yarn and needles will likewise be provided. Experts are also welcome to stop by to help, and chat over the food spread provided. This will allow not only the production of scarves, but a wonderful opportunity to meet other knitters.
It is estimated that the scarves themselves will take longer than the time provided to finish. Participants will be able to take their work home with them. A collection box, situated outside of the SAF office, will be available to collect all finished products and loaned materials. Participants are asked to bring them back, if possible, by Tuesday Nov. 11.
All completed scarves will be delivered to the Benedict Labre House. It is hoped, as the initiative grows, that deliveries may be made to other shelters in the Montreal area as well.
Although the first initiative of its kind, this knit-o-thon will most certainly not be the last. Dabora hopes that students’ responses will be such that similar events can be held periodically, perhaps as frequently as once a month.
For students, the knit-o-thon provides an excuse to step back from the rush of the midterm season, socialize, learn new skills, and help those i need.
For more information on the event visit “SAF presents: Knit-O-Thon” on Facebook.
