Members of Hat Grannies for Africa gather to make items for donation.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Hat Grannies for Africa, a local group working to raise funds for African grandmothers whose families are affected by HIV/AIDS, will be hosting its annual Fabric, Yarn and More Sale on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church.
“What will be available is an amazing array of fabric, yarn and more, the more being notions; anything to do with knitting and crocheting,” Joanie Gilchrist, sale co-ordinator, told the News.
Beyond fabric, yarn and crochet items, there will also be patters, sewing kits, embroidery floss, knitting needles, craft supplies and notions like buttons, zippers, elastics and lace will also be available for sale, with most items costing less than $5.
The goal of this year’s sale is to match or exceed the $9,400 raised during the 2019 sale. All proceeds will be donated to the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, a Stephen Lewis Foundation initiative which partners with African community groups and supports grandmothers raising their grandchildren.
“Since 2008, our group here in Medicine Hat has donated just over $75,000, which is pretty remarkable,” said Gilchrist.
The group, in operation since 2015, consists of 15 members, both grandmothers and grand-others – those without grandchildren. During the sale Hat Grannies for Africa will be assisted by roughly 30 volunteers. Gilchrist thanks the volunteers and community members for their support, especially those who donated items for the sale.
Gilchrist encourages patrons to bring their own bag as well as change, as all sales are cash. A $1 admission fee will be applied for each sale-goer. Gilchrist and Hat Grannies for Africa are also requesting patrons wear a mask at the sale.
“For the well-being of everyone, all our volunteers are going to be masked and we ask our customers kindly wear a mask as well. We will have masks available at the door,” Gilchrist said.
