A group of knitters at a senior’s residence in Maple Ridge donated their work to Christmas Haven this week.
The women at Chartwell Willow Retirement Community started a program called Knitting for a Cause and every year have been donating their items to the charity, because they know how much it is appreciated in the community, explained Michelle Zavaglia, lifestyle and programs manager at the facility.
Christmas Haven is a free dinner and celebration that takes place on Christmas eve for anyone who doesn’t want to be alone for the holiday.
The event is entirely free, no reservations are required, and features a traditional turkey dinner, will all the fixings, dessert, live entertainment, crafts for the children, and everyone, including adults, leaves with a present from Santa Claus – who will also be available for photos.
Christmas Haven, which has been taking place since 1998, is non-denominational and wheelchair accessible.
Last year more than 350 people attended.
There are around 10 ladies in the knitting program and they started knitting for Christmas Haven over the summer.
They made lap blankets, scarves, toques, gloves, dish cloths, and slippers.
Others at the facility donated other items to be used in the gifts from Santa.
“It’s a big group effort for sure,” said Zavaglia.
Alyson Cuthbertson, Christmas Haven committee chair, explained they partner with a few different facilities and residences in the community.
Residents at Maple Ridge Seniors Village donated money they raised through a variety of fundraisers and members of the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society also donated knitted items.
“The knitting that they provide and the little gifts goes a long way with Christmas Haven,” Cuthbertson said. “Each one of those gets to be put into a gift from Santa and it’s very well received every year.”
Christmas Haven is still in need of donations for the gifts, though.
Donations must be new because they are gifts from Santa, Cuthbertson noted.
They are in need of $5 gift cards for Tim Hortons which are included in every adult gift, in addition to warm socks, and other items that could be given to an adult.
For children they are looking for new games and Christmas books.
Donations can be dropped off at Foundry Ridge Meadows at 22932 Lougheed Highway, in Maple Ridge. And in Pitt Meadows at Tuscany Salon at 19164 McMyn Rd.
Christmas Haven will be taking place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24 at The ACT Arts Centre, 11944 Haney Pl., Maple Ridge.
For more information call 604-812-2254 or email: christmashaven@gmail.com.