The Gateway Theatre lobby was buzzing Monday as tables of (mostly) women knit one and purled two, sharing stories and tips.
The knitters and stitchers were all part of Gateway's Knit & Purl fundraiser, which helped seniors become more involved and contribute to the arts, while raising money for the theatre and three local charities.
"I've worked in senior care and I've found that seniors are often homebound with limited mobility, but they love the arts and want to contribute," said Gateway's newest board member Lulu Shen. "I remember doing a knitting fundraiser when I was a girl guide, so I shared the idea with the board, and boom, they loved it."
Over the past month, individual participants or teams have been busy knitting 1x1foot squares, in any colour or style. They've also collected a minimum of $20 in pledges.
Their work culminated in Monday morning's event, where those who could, arrived at the theatre to sew the squares together.
The blankets are to be donated to SOS Children's Village, Touchstone Family Association and The Salvation Army's Rotary Hospice House and Richmond House.
"I've been knitting since I was a child," said Surya Naser, a 10-year Gateway volunteer. "I find it very relaxing. And when it's for a good cause, I feel good about it."
Naser also volunteers for the Richmond Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop and owns Minato Hair Design in Steveston.
In the past few weeks, she was able to knit 32 squares.
Participants had until last Friday to knit their squares and then volunteers collected them by Monday.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie, MLA Linda Reid, Richmond Centre candidate Teresa Wat and MLA Rob Howard pitched in to help.
The funds raised also support Gateway's professional theatre and academy youth programs. To donate, visit www.gatewaytheatre. com/knit-and-purl.html.
