HUMBOLDT — Community members had a chance to see hundreds of knitted, crocheted and quilted pieces from the Guardian Angels before it was donated to charity, in a first of its kind event for the group.
Each year, the Humboldt and Area Guardian Angels, composed of seniors in the community, create toques, socks, scarves, afghans, lap covers, shoulder covers and quilts which are then donated to various organizations throughout the area.
Past organizations included cancer clinics, Ronald McDonald House, seniors’ centres, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Empty Arms and Kinettes.
Usually the pieces are donated quietly, but this year, Josie Stroeder, the group’s leader, said they wanted to show off the member’s work with a drive-by show.
“I think these people need recognition,” Stroeder said. “This is such a lost art, right?”
The show, on May 1 and 2, had community members drive by tables and clothing lines, laying out various Guardian Angels pieces. Other community members checked out the tables in person, donning masks and physically distancing.
In total, Stroeder estimated that over 1,000 pieces had to be present at the show.
Some vehicle attendees included the St. Mary’s Villa, which brought a bus load of residents to drive by the creations.
Bernadette Hopfauf was one of the Guardian Angels whose work was on display.
Hopfauf credited Stroeder for making the show happen, as well as for giving the Guardian Angels a push from about eight members in October when Stroeder joined, to about 34 today.
“I think it’s fantastic, I think what Josie’s done here is really amazing,” Hopfauf said. “Otherwise, how are people going to know what the Guardian Angels are to support what we do? Because we need public support for what we do.”
To join the Guardian Angels or to donate, community members can call Stroeder at 306-682-2557.
While the group describes itself as ages 70 to 90, she said there are a few members in their 60s.
“It’s a big thing with COVID, because they’re housebound but they can still be useful,” Stroeder said.
Each Guardian Angel had the option of putting their name on a little tag on the pieces they made.
