Threads of Hope is a volunteer group based out of St. Saviour’s Anglican Church in Winnipeg that utilizes the sewing skills of its members to create items for those in need. Founded by Cindy Bell, the group has been running for seven years and initially started with five people but has now grown to about 80 members, with 20 to 25 regularly participating. The group’s main goal is to provide love, kindness, and support to those in need through their handmade items.
Under the leadership of Cindy Bell, Threads of Hope has created over 22,000 items in 70 different categories and sizes, including items for international use. The group has helped people in various countries such as orphanages in Africa, Guatemala, and Mexico, as well as providing marsupial pouches and critter beds for animals injured in the Australian forest fires. In addition to international aid, Threads of Hope also supports organizations in northern Manitoba and Winnipeg that distribute their handmade items to those in need, creating a network of support and assistance.
Threads of Hope is not just about providing aid to those in need but also about stewarding the environment. The group utilizes materials from supporting fabric stores, as well as items that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. They have evolved to have no waste at all and even use leftover fabric scraps to stuff dog beds. The group is willing to make anything there is a need for, but their only limitation is storage space, as materials are stored in Bell’s basement.
The group relies on donations and grants to continue their work and has been supported by the generosity of the Winnipeg community. Bell expresses pride in the city’s generosity and the dedication of the people who support Threads of Hope. Those interested in learning more about the group, whether they have sewing experience or not, can visit their website for more information. Threads of Hope demonstrates the power of community and volunteerism in making a positive impact both locally and internationally through their handmade creations and acts of kindness.
