Never underestimate the power of a group of women. And if those women are getting together, having fun, and giving to others - look out. They will be unstoppable.
That's the concept that formed the Avalon Sisters. Jennifer Jonsson and friends Sarah Nelson and Dorothy Clark decided to create an organization where women could go out as a group, have fun, and feel good about it.
"We wanted to get women together...
make it fun and easy," said Jonsson. "But we wanted it to have a charity component."
Having run events since October, this month the Avalon Sisters will be hosting a knitting class on Sunday, March 29 at 3 p.m. in the atrium of Jimmy Mac's Pub.
"It's a learn-to-knit night," Jonsson noted. "Everyone there will knit a blanket square."
All the squares will be taken by the knitting instructor, Jody Little, and be bound together into a blanket which will be given to a child going into foster care.
"She [Little] just agreed to help us with organizing everything," Jonsson said.
"She is collecting all the yarn, needles, and everything."
Little will also arrange for the finished blanket to be given to the child as she has connections in the foster care system.
More than the donation of the blanket, participants at the knitting night will also be contributing to Alisa's Wish, a child and youth advocacy centre in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows communities.
The fee for the evening is $30 and includes knitting supplies, knitting instruction, a donation, one beverage, and a choice of a club house sandwich or beef dip.
"All the money that we raise is going to Alisa's Wish," Jonsson said.
Even if knitting isn't at the top of the things-to-do list, Jonsson invites women to come out with their favourite lap craft and enjoy spending time with other women.
"It's open to all women," she said.
"We want everyone to come. "Last month's activity was painting taught by Tina Davis and while there were only 15 spots available, the group raised $282 for charity.
"The energy has been amazing at all of our events," Jonsson noted. "It's women helping women and they are there for a great cause and for a good time. It's been wonderful."
To find out more or see an upcoming calendar of events, visit Avalonsisters.org. Plus, for those who can't attend but wish to contribute to the charities, Jonsson can provide a list of most needed items.
Space is often limited for Avalon Sisters events, so spots are held once payment is received. Sign up for the March 29 knitting night by March 22 through the website, e-transfer funds to avalonsisters@shaw.ca, or call Jonsson for more information at 604-374-4568.
Jimmy Mac's Pub is at 19935 96th Ave.
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