MEDIA RELEASE – CITY OF ST. CATHARINES
The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is once again helping bring warmth to those in need.
From Saturday, Nov. 24, to Sunday, Jan. 6, the museum is collecting warm woolly mittens, hats, scarves and other winter wear for families and children in need through its annual Mitten Tree campaign. The community is encouraged to help fill the tree with donations of winter clothing in support of Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold, and the Out of the Cold program.
“It’s important to take the time to remember those who might be in need at this time of the year as the weather is getting colder and we are all getting busier with our holiday planning,” said Kathleen Powell, supervisor of Historical Services for the City. “The museum’s mitten tree will gladly accept donations to help make someone smile.”
The museum is once again launching the campaign with a day of family friendly activities, including a knitting circle, crafts, including a DIY ugly Christmas sweater, and more on Saturday, Nov. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will also have the chance to enjoy some hot chocolate, tea and cookies. Admission and programming is by donation.
You don’t have to be a knitting expert to join in the knitting circle. New knitters are welcome to come and learn, while experienced knitters are welcome to come and knit their current projects and help teach those who are new to the craft. Lounge furniture will be set up in a circle in the tourist information area of the museum, with different colours of yarn and a limited number of knitting needles available for participants to use.
The museum also continues to accept new, unwrapped gifts for children up to 16 years old as part of the City’s Tree of Little Angels campaign. Residents can support the campaign by taking a “Little Angel” off of the tree at the museum and other City facilities, purchase a gift and return it with the “Little Angel” tag to a City facility by Friday, Dec. 7. Tree of Little Angels donations will support Community Care. Visit http://www.stcatharines.ca/LittleAngels for more information.