Stitch It Forward Society of Lethbridge

Volunteer Engagement: This year we recruited 76 more volunteers across Alberta. As of March 31 we have 288 active volunteers working on projects in some capacity. Volunteers can sign up on our website and also track the hours they contribute. We do our best with limited funds to thank our volunteers for their work. We have giveaways for those who track their hours such as a mug or gift card. We recognize their work with their permission on our FaceBook page and on our website when possible. This fiscal year our volunteers tracked over 15 000 volunteer hours. We make items for organizations that have clients in need. This fiscal year we made 22 760 items which included blankets toques slippers mitts Christmas stockings filled with goodies doll clothes pillowcases washcloths masks drawstring bags neck warmers and more. Each item was requested by an organization in Alberta and we distributed them as they were completed. We recycle fabrics and yarns diverting them from the landfill. For example we made shopping bags from recycled clothing and we cut unusable jeans into quilt tops to name a few. We have diverted approximately 1800 pounds of materials this fiscal year. Youth Mentoring Program: we chose youth and guided them through a project of their choice. She (a 14 year old) chose to make 500 pouches and stuff them with feminine hygiene products and distributed them to schools around Lethbridge. With the help of volunteers she beat her goal by 150 pouches. She reported having learned to manage a budget ($2 000) purchase the supplies she needed recruited volunteers to make the pouches and stuff them with the products and complete a final report on the grant. Our goal is to expand this program so that more youth can have this learning opportunity.