Stitching our Community Together
The knitting club began when a member of the community brought forward a simple, practical idea: to gather regularly, knit together, and use that work to support others in need. Through the Community Engagement Committee, the idea had a clear place to land and a pathway to move forward. Support was provided to help the initiative get off the ground, including advocacy through council to ensure community-led projects like this one could access modest funding. From there, the group organized itself and began meeting every Thursday evening at the public library. What followed was not a one-time activity, but a sustained, resident-led effort rooted in consistency, care, and contribution — turning a weekly gathering into meaningful support for organizations and individuals across Casselman.
What This Looked Like in Practice
A member of the Community Engagement Committee brought forward the idea of creating a knitting group as a simple, welcoming way for people to come together and contribute to the community. With support structures in place, the group organized itself and now meets every Thursday evening at the public library. Participants gather regularly to knit, share skills, and build relationships in a relaxed and inclusive environment.
How This Informed My Work
This initiative reinforced the importance of creating formal pathways for community ideas to be supported and sustained. Advocacy through council to help fund community-led initiatives, combined with the creation of the Community Engagement Committee, demonstrated how municipal leadership can strengthen local democracy by enabling residents to lead. It underscored the value of investing in structures that trust community members to identify needs and act on them.
A Concrete Outcome
Through consistent weekly gatherings, the knitting club has produced a substantial number of handmade items that have been donated across the community. Their contributions have supported the local food bank, Valoris, local schools, and other organizations, providing warmth, comfort, and practical assistance to people who need it most. What began as a single resident-led idea has grown into an ongoing initiative with measurable impact, illustrating how small, supported actions can create meaningful and lasting change.
These initiatives reflect a commitment to community-led action, supported through inclusive structures and democratic participation.