11-year-old crochets and donates 100 scarves to Hope Centre
Anisha O’brien didn’t want to just sit around the house as most of her March break and summer plans were cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
When programs and activities started to become axed by the coronavirus, the 11-year-old decided to learn how to crochet with her mother, Trisha.
By the time summer arrived, she was a seasoned pro at the process, after creating pieces that included a bear and a sign for her brother’s birthday.
It was then she knew she wanted to do more with her
hobby.
In July, she began making scarves to donate to The Hope Centre.
Since then, Anisha has crafted more than a hundred. On Wednesday, she delivered to them to the hub of social services on King Street.
The Grade 6 student at Diamond Trail Public School said she understands some families struggle in the winter to access warm clothing. She’s worried people who don’t dress for the elements could get sick, some of them who are facing employment and housing challenges as well.
She finishes her online schooling at 2:40 p.m. on weekdays and gets right into crocheting by 3 p.m. for a few hours most days. She also spends time on weekends making scarves.
Her mother Trisha said it’s “wonderful” her daughter wants to use her time on a thoughtful project rather than being unproductive around the house.
“Kids these days want to play video games, but she wants to crotchet,” said Trisha, adding she has always stressed the importance of being active in her community.
“I come from a family that was not well off. I encourage her to be the best person she can be,” she said.
Jon Braithwaite, chief executive officer of The Hope Centre, said his agency welcomes the donation of scarves as temperatures will be dropping in the coming months.
“We know from experience that as the weather gets cooler, we’ll see more people without the appropriate clothing,” he said.
The Hope Centre partners with Central United Church annually for the Koats for Kids program. Details on whether it will be held this year are being ironed out, he said.