Caring Crafts

More than baby toques!

Since 2001, Power Pioneers have been generously giving their time and talents to make baby toques and other items for hospitals, seniors’ homes and other worthwhile recipients in B.C. Our baby toques go to BC Children’s and BC Women’s Hospitals in Vancouver, Vernon Jubilee, Prince George Regional, Shuswap Lake, Kelowna General, Cariboo Memorial, Campbell River, Cranbrook Regional, Nanaimo and Ladysmith Health Unit. Last year we had about 50 knitters in 11 branches, who made over 1,000 toques. Some branches also donate knitted items to seniors’ residences.

BC Children’s Hospital, a major recipient of the Power Pioneers’ hand-made output, have advised us on the items they – and patients and their parents – would most appreciate. Keep in mind, the hospital serves chidren up to 16 years of age. We can provide more than just toques for babies. BC Children’s Hospital also shares baby items with Women’s Hospital; baby clothing is particularly appreciated by the less-fortunate new mothers.

Baby toques – not just for premature babies, but for all sizes of newborn babies

Slippers – up to adult sizes, for children to wear while in hospital and then take home. (This is also one of the items knitted by branches who donate to seniors’ residences.)

Blankets – need to be at least 36” wide and about 36 to 40” long, or bigger. Hospital beds and cribs are not the same sizes as those at home. Avoid patterns with holes, and be sure they are tightly made so they can’t catch the smallest fingers.

Other baby clothing – a layette of new clothes can be given to a mother in need. Long gowns that tie in the back can be used in cases of bereavement.

Balls – knitted or crocheted stuffed balls, about softball size, are useful in the physiotherapy department, as well as being a harmless toy. They must be washable and contain clean, washable stuffing such as polyester quilt batting or cut-up hosiery.

Finger puppets – an unlimited supply of these little toys with faces can be used, largely during blood collection

Other toys – stuffed homemade toys are welcome donations. They must be washable and contain clean, washable stuffing such as polyester quilt batting or cut-up hosiery.

With a wider variety of items to make and donate, we hope that even more of our members will enjoy knitting and crocheting for our worthy charities. Remember, you can count your volunteer hours for Lifestyle points.

Want to participate?
Download patterns from the Pattern Library page (not available yet ) or feel free to use your own patterns for items on the list.

Be sure to use only soft, machine-washable yarn. Children and young parents love bright colours.
You can bring the completed items to your monthly Power Pioneers meetings. Or contact your branch Caring Crafts coordinator (see list below).

Do you have yarn you can donate?
Our knitters and crocheters will be grateful for any yarn donations. You can bring yarn donations to your monthly Power Pioneers meeting, or contact your branch coordinator.

Gloria Cameron, Development Co-ordinator for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation with Shirley Ohl, New Westminster Branch Caring Crafts Coordinator

Branch Caring Crafts Coordinators
Select the Branch to find out how to contact the Branch Caring Crafts Coordinators.

(You will need to log in with your user ID and password first.)

Columbia Shuswap Fraser Valley Kootenay New Westminster Okanagan Pacific Prince George South Interior Thompson Valley Upper Island Vancouver

A pile of Baby Toques