Craft for a Cause: Students knit blankets for patients with cancer

On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, members of the Chelmsford Valley District Composite School Knitting Club presented 28 handcrafted blankets to Angela Corsi-Raso, a volunteer with the Northeast Cancer Centre’s blanket donation program.

Through the blanket donation program, new patients receive a handmade blanket or quilt to keep them warm during treatments.

Some 60 students from Grades 2 to 8 gathered in the foyer before school and during nutrition breaks to knit, chat and perfect their craft under the guidance of teachers Francine Portelance and Kaitlin Graham.

“Knitting is a relaxing activity that requires very little concentration after techniques are mastered,” said Francine Portelance. “Students teach their peers how to knit and work collaboratively. This fosters empathy, cooperation and communication skills.”

She added: “Our students are just beginners, so their pieces could take weeks to complete and may vary in dimension and quality. This is what makes our blankets so unique and special.”

“Each blanket serves as a hug for a patient in need, keeping them warm and supported during a difficult time in their lives,” said Principal Patrick Hopkin. “Students feel good knowing they are providing comfort to others, while learning a skill that will last a lifetime.”