Local volunteers based out of the Morden area are among the many all over who are involved in making blankets for the Mennonite Central Committee.
They would like to see more people get involved in what they see as a simple but heartfelt way to make at least a small difference in the lives of people who are suffering around the world.
“I like the word comforter too. It’s a way to say here’s a little comfort from us. We often can’t respond in other ways, but this is one way that we can say we’re thinking about you,” said Yvonne Stoesz, who is a volunteer with the Morden group.
There are a number of groups in the region who are involved in making blankets for the MCC including volunteers on Hutterite colonies as well as in Altona, Carman and Winkler and other communities.
Provided photos
Volunteers see making blankets as a simple but heartfelt way to make at least a small difference in the lives of people who are suffering around the world
There is a long history of volunteers making comforters for the organization throughout its history as a way to respond to disasters and places in conflict.
“Manitoba is actually the highest. We made something like 20 per cent of all of the comforters,” she noted.
“It’s just a good way to respond to war … what else can we do,” said Stoesz.
“My parents were very involved in MCC. My mom was one of the women who started the MCC thrift shop here in 1972, so I’ve kind of had MCC in my DNA,” she noted.
“All across Canada and North America, there are groups that make comforters for MCC … and we’ve been doing it as a church for years, and the last two years, we connected with Morden Mennonite, which has also been doing it, and doing it together just makes a lot of sense because they have a building … I’m part of a house church.”
They make what are known as tie blankets, which are an easy way to create a blanket by laying two layers of fabric together and using strips around the sides of the fabric to tie it all together.
The top layers are often made by people at home and they then assemble them and tie them, and ties may be used every four to six inches to make sure the three layers are secure.
“And that’s a very simple thing to do. Anyone can learn it. You don’t need any sewing skills to tie it, and then the last person puts a seam around the whole outside so that it’s solidly made,” said Stoesz. “They’re often really beautiful colours … and doing it together and making them is kind of special.
“We’ve made probably about a hundred this year because we only meet the first Monday and Wednesday of every month from October to the end of April … it’s kind of a winter activity.
“There’s certain criteria you have to follow … you can’t have any military symbols or religious symbol … so that there’s nothing potentially offensive,” she added.
She estimated they have about 10 volunteers who show up regularly but have up to 30 who they might be able to call on for it.
“We could probably take more people,” she said. “People kind of like having their stations. There’s one who likes to cut the backing … one who likes the sewing.
“It’s even good company. We have lunch together and a day where we’re doing something useful and gathering together.”
Stoesz said they are inviting others to join in the effort because it’s a relatively simple process.
“I’ve really wanted to open it up to the community because I just think it is a nice welcome … newcomer families often want to practice English or just get together and find friends,” she suggested.
Anyone who thinks they might like to get involved or wants more information can contact Yvonne Stoesz at 204-823-0071 or by e-mail to ystoesz@xplornet.com.
