Wool-Aid is pleased to have been able to help three communities in Canada this fall through the Warm Hands Network: the Innu in Sheshasuit in northern Labrador, the Cree in northern Ontario, and the Inuit in Nunavut.

We received a request to provide sweaters for young people in Sheshasuit before they headed out on their ice fishing and hunting trips. In addition to 45 sweaters, were able to send 10 vests, 84 hats, 21 pairs of machine washable socks, 12 pairs of mittens, and 6 pairs of neck warmers and/or leg warmers:

We sent additional items to the Cree in northern Ontario, including items from the Baby Shower campaign that are not pictured below. All in all, we sent a total of 68 hats, 19 baby sweaters, 6 baby sweater/hat sets, 1 pair baby socks, 4 vests, and 1 machine washable blanket to the northern Ontario community.

And last, but not least — even though these items were the littlest — are the hats and mittens that were sent to Inuit Daycare Centers in Nunavut. We sent 101 hats and 86 pairs of mittens to the children from Wool-Aid:

Heartfelt thanks to all of you who made these shipments possible, whether through your lovingly knit or crocheted handiwork or your contributions toward the cost to ship them up north. You truly make a difference in the lives of many children.

To honor the founding family of Ravelry, where Wool-Aid began, we held a virtual Baby Shower and created items for infants and children up to 6 years old. “Shower gifts” are being donated to Inuit Daycare Centers through Warm Hands and to Knit for Tibet. Baby blankets, hats, mittens, sweaters, vests, and socks were lovingly knit and crocheted by the Wool-Aid community and will warm many children, and all in honor of Baby Eloise.

A very warm thank-you to all who were a part of this campaign, making it possible to send so much warmth and love to these young and very vulnerable children.

To honor the founding family of Ravelry, where Wool-Aid began, we have begun a special campaign to create items for children in sizes for infants through age 6. All of our focus items are included, just in smaller sizes! Items should be wool and warm, with good coverage, but no light colors and nothing frilly or lacy—sweaters, socks, hats, mittens, blankets, vests. All items should be knit or crocheted according to the standard Wool-Aid guidelines. “Shower gifts” received will be donated to two places, based on the need for the specific items received: Inuit Daycare Centers (via Warm Hands) that serve children from infant through age 6 (and which especially need hats and mittens); and Knit for Tibet, where there is a significant need for all types of items for babies and children.

Guidelines for Baby Shower Campaign

• Use the highest wool content possible (at least 80% wool/animal fiber) — 100% wool is even better.
• Use worsted weight yarn or heavier.
• All items should be crafted with an emphasis on coverage and warmth.
• Vests should close securely.
• Sweaters and vests should provide warmth from the neck down.
• Hats and mittens should protect against extreme cold.
• Socks should be densely knit and with good coverage for the leg as well as the foot.

Please send all finished items to

Wool-Aid
1381 Rocky Creek Court
Belleville, IL 62220

If you are able, a contribution to help share the cost of shipping expenses would be appreciated. See How to Donate to Wool-Aid for details.