Caps 4 Kids
This dedicated volunteer creates smiles one stitch at a time
In 2003 I began sewing hats, styled after a surgeon’s cap, for myself and my hockey teammates to wear under our helmets. After a suggestion that children in hospitals would probably love them, Caps4kids was born. Motivated by love and a desire to make a difference, I began producing as many caps as I could.
In February 2004, the first shipment was sent to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Shortly thereafter, 100 caps went to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa. Next, a shipment of caps went to Camp Oochigeas in Haliburton—a camp for kids with cancer. Camp Quality was also contacted and the response was one of excitement. Within weeks, 250 red-andwhite maple leaf caps were cut, sewn and shipped during the month of June 2004. Since then, Caps4kids has shipped many more caps to Toronto’s Sick Children’s Hospital—for children in the pre-surgery program, oncology and social services. Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in Newfoundland and Labrador also received caps.
With the help of friends, I went to a local school with sewing machines in tow. Working with a Grade 3-4 class, each student sewed a pillowcase and attached a handwritten get-well letter. We shipped the pillowcases, letters and some caps to Mcmaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton. The joy on the students’ faces when they had completed their sewing projects, knowing they were making a difference for other children, was amazing.
During a seven-year period, I’ve also produced 6,000 caps for the Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity (JACC), whose mission is to “Improve the quality of life of seriously ill children and their families…when love is not enough.”
I made a cap for each child along with a matching cap for a donated teddy bear. I had the opportunity to attend their annual barbecue for six of those years and handed out caps to the children. I called it my “Christmas in August” and will forever have those smiles etched in my heart. It was always an overwhelmingly emotional day, but one I looked forward to.
Caps4kids is coming up on 20,000 items sewn—not only for kids, but also for men and women. If a parent is ill, matching caps have been made for the children as well, so they can look like their mom or dad. If a child has cancer, their siblings receive the same package of sewn goodies. I’ve sent extra caps for children that are going through treatment so they can bring caps to the hospital and give them to kids they meet during their stay. It gives them that “feel-good feeling” of helping others.
Over the years, I’ve held sewing days with
friends, family and co-workers. Together we cut and organize hundreds of caps for me to sew throughout the year. I’ve had different people and groups take caps to many places besides Canada, such as South Africa, Australia, Russia, Czechoslova- kia, Iceland and the United States.
The first cap I made means as much as the next hundred I will sew. Caps4kids takes time, but it is so rewarding. I wish I could do more. In January, I began my 15th year of Caps4kids. I do not regret one second of my time, cost or what I may have missed while doing this work. I’ve witnessed firsthand the smiles these caps elicit, which spurs me on to create many more.
Caps4kids is important to me and something I’m very proud of. I know it wouldn’t be possible without the support of those who have worked and helped me to achieve the success I’ve enjoyed. The kids and I send a big hug to all! A special thank you goes out to Laraine Smith of Coldwater, Ont., for encouraging me to share my story with Our Canada. ■