Byron Volunteers Making Magic with the Magic Yarn Project Byron resident Barb
Ridgewell found a new way to make a difference. As a retired teacher, Barb is always looking for ways to help in the community, and she found the right fit when she discovered the Magic Yarn Project (MYP) this past February.
MYP is a nonprofit orga - nization that creates yarn- based wigs and beanies for children who have lost their hair from can- cer treatments. It is run completely by volunteers who crochet and assem- ble the wigs and beanies. The headpieces, which come in many fun styles from princesses to action heroes, are given free to families anywhere in the world who request them.
Ariel
“I love spending time with the volunteers and seeing how inspired they are by this work. They truly make magic for so many brave little cancer fighters.” The London Chapter includes a dedicated team of 15 approved “Magic Makers” – crocheters who make the hair, tiaras, flowers, and other elements that form the final headpiece. Because the wigs and beanies are play-proof and machine washable, MYP requires the crocheters to be approved first. Sue also coordinates a second group of volunteers who meet at various workshops to assemble each headpiece. This group typically attaches the hair onto the wig and adds bedazzling jewels, flowers, and other fun extras. They also help prep materials and prepare wigs for shipping. Volunteers for this group don’t need any crocheting experience. Andrea Van Hoeve, another Byron volunteer, recently joined MYP in March. Like Barb, Andrea wanted to meet like-minded people and make a difference. “When I heard that MYP would let me ‘make magic’ for little cancer fighters and put my love of crochet to good use, I knew it was perfect for me,” Andrea explains. If crafting and crocheting aren’t your thing but you love the idea of helping MYP, Sue says another way to get involved is by fundraising, perhaps through your work or by hosting a fundraising birthday party. Five dollars covers the cost of one hat. Twenty-five dollars covers the cost of one wig. “I’ve only volunteered with MYP for a short time, but I’ve already seen how this charity is having a profound, positive impact on children, families and communities locally and around the world,” adds Andrea. “It’s an honour to be a part of it.” For more information on MYP and how to get involved, visit themagicyarnproject.com or email Sue at sueberinger@ themagicyarnproject.com. Photos courtesy of Sue Beringer
Byron volunteer, Andrea Van Hoeve crocheting tiaras for Belle and Elsa’s wigs.
“I’ve had family who experienced hair loss because of cancer treatments and needed to wear wigs,” explains Barb. “I also taught a few students who fought cancer. They would’ve loved the wigs we make!” MYP has chapters throughout the US and one in Canada, which happens to be in London. Sue Beringer started the London Chapter in 2020 after being involved with MYP herself since 2018. “As Chapter Leader, I organize groups of volunteers to create the finished wigs and beanies, and we distribute them to hospitals and organizations across Ontario,” Sue explains.
Jack
Jasmine
Issue 91 - June 2024 Page 19
To advertise here please contact Barb@villagerpublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs