A new community project in Carman is inviting residents to stitch something meaningful together — one poppy at a time.
Residents are invited to crochet poppies like these for a community banner to be displayed in Carman around Remembrance Day
The Poppy Project, led by community member Louise Pethybridge, aims to create a handmade poppy banner crafted by residents of all ages and backgrounds. The finished banner will be displayed in Carman around Remembrance Day as a symbol of shared remembrance and community spirit.
Participants are encouraged to crochet poppies that will later be assembled into a larger community installation. No crochet experience is required. Pethybridge is offering instruction for anyone who would like to learn, making the project accessible to beginners as well as experienced crafters.
The first opportunity to get involved will take place March 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Carman Active Living Centre, where participants can learn the pattern, pick up supplies and begin creating poppies. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own 5 mm crochet hook if they have one, although supplies will also be available.
Organizers say the event is designed to be welcoming and accessible. A light lunch will be provided, and childminding and transportation are available upon request.
Two additional drop-in sessions have also been scheduled at the Boyne Regional Library for participants who want to learn the pattern or need help finishing their poppies. The sessions will take place April 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and April 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. Childminding and transportation will also be available upon request for those dates.
Pethybridge said the inspiration for the project came after seeing other communities create crocheted poppy banners.
“The inspiration came from seeing in the news a couple of other communities that had made crocheted poppy banners,” she said. “I thought they were beautiful and because I love crocheting I wanted to make one for Carman. Then the idea kind of took on a life of its own and other people wanted to start making poppies too.”
The project also took on deeper meaning when Pethybridge recently realized the Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.
“I hadn’t realized until just this week that the Legion is celebrating 100 years. It’s like it was meant to be,” she said.
For Pethybridge, the project is also personal. Several members of her family served Canada in uniform.
“I think most people have a family member or someone they know who has served our country presently or in the past,” she said. “For me personally, both my mother-in-law May Johnston and my father-in-law Bill Pethybridge were veterans of the Second World War. As well, my nephew Dorien Bibault served in the Canadian Air Force for 20 years.”
She said the project offers an opportunity for residents to come together to honour those sacrifices while building community connections.
“I’m humbled by the sacrifices that so many people make and coming together as a community to honour our Legion is something that feels meaningful to me, especially right now,” she said. “If we have fun doing this project, well that’s a huge bonus.”
Beyond the symbolism of remembrance, Pethybridge noted there are also personal benefits to crafting together.
“The benefits of doing things like crocheting are well documented — it helps us cognitively and gives us a better sense of wellbeing,” she said.
The Poppy Project is part of the broader Community Connector Challenge launched by Carman Wellness Connections to strengthen belonging across the community.
For more information or to get involved, contact Louise Pethybridge at 1-204-745-6730 or pethybridgelouise@icloud.com. Residents can also watch for posters around town with additional details about upcoming dates and locations.
Everyone is welcome.
