Janet Leadbeater: The care4ucreations Journey

The idea for this project came as a result of a request from my mom, Ruby. She has always been an avid knitter and donor. For years, she knit premie outfits for the Guardian Drug Store’s “Guardian Angels Project” and continues to knit for Red Cross and local church and community projects in Colborne. But she wanted to do more and asked me several times, “when you’re on the internet sometime, would you look for other knitting charities in the area?”.

So I searched the internet for local charity projects but the closest project I could find was in Ajax or Pickering. I informed my mom who replied, “That’s not too far to drive”.

One Saturday morning, I woke up too early and couldn’t get back to sleep. I started thinking. Why should we have to drive to donate handmade knits to support people in other communities when we have so many people who could benefit form donations here in Northumberland County? Why not start our own charity project . . . and so the idea of care4ucreations.ca began.

Taking on the development and administration of a new charity project on your own is a huge job, let alone not as much fun. Even though my parents were excited to help out with many aspects of the project, they did not want to take a lead role. So my next step was to find a partner who would have just as much passion and enthusiasm for this project as I did. I knew exactly who to ask, a nursing colleague – Shelley White. I don’t think I know another person who knits and crochets as much as she does. Sometimes I wonder if she ever sleeps! Shelley is also one of the most generous people I’ve met. She is always giving beautiful, handmade items to people for any number of reasons.

My mom taught me to knit when I was very young. I remember knitting clothes for my dolls. My mom would cast on and off for me and she could always be counted on to fix my mistakes. Over the years, my love of knitting has expanded to include crocheting and many other crafts. The pleasure that results from choosing just the right pattern and yarn, watching a handmade item take shape and finishing a special project pales only to the feeling of pride and fulfillment when you present your handmade gift to someone who is so appreciative.

Looking forward to continuing the journey . . . one stitch at a time!

Janet

Shelley White:

When Janet first approached me with an idea for my love for knitting, I could not wait to hear more. My grandmother used to knit socks for the men who worked on their farm, and my mom worked for a wool store, so I come by the love for the craft quite honestly. Only I do believe the passion for it has increased with each generation. There is nothing like the feeling of knitting something for someone who truly appreciates the care and effort each project takes.

I love to knit, I love Janet, I love giving to others and seeing their reactions. This has been a truly wonderful experience thus far, and look forward to continuing to work with Janet and watch Care4UCreations blossom."

No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.  Thank you.  ~Author Unknown