Children in northern remote communities learn valuable skills using a modern, fun and creative approach.
The Sew & Sew Skills Lab was first launched in May, 2019 in Natuashish, Northern Newfoundland after Colleen Gray, founder of Art for Aid, was invited to visit the Mushuau Innu Natuashish School with I Love First Peoples (ILFP). After spending time with the students and staff at the school, Colleen found herself wanting to do more to support their creative education and spoke with the principal about setting up a sewing program for the students. Josée Lusignan, (president of ILFP) and Colleen began formulating a plan to develop a fully equipped sewing skills lab that they could offer to remote northern schools. Sewing gives young people a fun way to be creative while learning a valuable skill. But beyond this, a good quality sewing machine can benefit the entire community. Canvas tents, for example, and warm, waterproof clothing are essential tools for communities that live off the land. These are often hard to repair without adequate machines.
It was a humble beginning and since then, two major sponsors have offered their support to this sustainable project. Janome Canada donated 60 sturdy, high quality sewing machines at a cost of $950 each. Baffinland Iron Ore Mines offered $15,000 in each of three years to support transportation of supplies. Stittsville Rotary Club assisted in transporting supplies and establishing a network of important contacts across the north. Thanks to other supporters who donated sewing and quilting supplies to the program over the summer, 4 schools have already received 10 boxes of supplies along with their sewing machines and the program is equipped and ready to go for this school year! The program is being launched in 4 communities in September, 2021 including 2 schools in Nunavut and 2 schools in Northern Newfoundland and Labrador. Good luck to all!
Monetary donations to Sew & Sew can be made through ILFP by selecting Sew & Sew under the Donations tab or by designating donations made by cheque to this program. Charitable tax receipts are issued each February. www.artforaid.ca and www.ilfp.ca