Colourfully patterned knitted blankets are piled upon a table in the Community Room at The Waverley, one of Winnipeg’s premiere retirement communities. And each Monday, a special group of ladies meet to share their stories, time and talent for a good cause.
“I used to knit a great deal, but I hadn’t stitched for about twenty years until I came here,” says Doris Birt, a member of the Waverley knitters. “I like knitting for the cats at the shelter. It’s a lot of fun.” Doris is one of seven amazing ladies who have knitted cat blankets for The Winnipeg Humane Society for years!
Marjorie Abbott is responsible for getting this talented and productive group of knitters organized. She’s been knitting cat blankets for The WHS since 2001.
“We were knitting baby blankets before,” says Marjorie, “but then a friend of mine suggested that I should knit cat blankets out of all the left over bits of yarn. We’ve been knitting cat blankets ever since, and we’ve even been to the shelter to visit the cats. It’s nice to see them all enjoying our handiwork.”
At 10 years, Marjorie holds the title of knitting cat blankets the longest of anyone in the group. “I always choose bright colours for the blankets because someone told me that cats like lots of colour,” she adds.
These wonderful ladies even pool their own money to buy yarn when their supply gets low. In the past, they’ve also accepted donations of yarn from The Waverley and The WHS. Over the years, their enthusiasm and charm has not been lost on all the grateful cats and staff at The WHS. Many a cat has curled up and taken a nap on Waverley-knitted blankets.
Bill McDonald, CEO of The Winnipeg Humane Society, and his dog, Cassidy, visited this special group of ladies on December 12, 2011, to say a special thank you.
Thank you Waverley knitters, and keep up the excellent work! For ten years you’ve helped keep our cats “purr-fectly” comfortable. We hope you’re all knitting cat blankets for many years to come!
photo credit: Jeremy Williamson