One hundred and fifteen wool caps, knitted by volunteers, were donated to Rio Grande do Sul, for victims of the flood tragedy. The items were produced by the crafts group at the Santuário de Nossa Senhora Aparecida, in Vila Nova in Londrina, which meets weekly to develop activities. In total, ten women participate, but the group is open to new members and donations of materials.
“Since 2019, every year we make hats to donate. That year, we had difficulties and we were buying some skeins with a small resource we had. Then, by the grace of Our Lady, one person got a lot of wool and donated it, so we made 115 caps”, says Kimiko Kawashima Matsuo, coordinator of the group. Producing since April, when they were ready in May, the volunteers were deciding who to donate to when the tragedy occurred in Rio Grande do Sul. “One person suggested donating to RS, everyone agreed, we packed and took the packages to Sesc” , explains.
The group meets every Tuesday, starting at 2pm, at the Sanctuary. Anyone who wants to participate can go to one of the meetings. You just need to have some talent for some type of craft or manual work. According to Kimiko, some volunteers are good at knitting and crocheting while others know how to sew. “We have already crocheted tea towels and placed them in the Sanctuary Bazaar to sell and raise funds”, she comments. However, anyone with other gifts and talents can also participate.
In addition to preparing some items to be sold with proceeds going towards volunteer work, group participants also help with some Sanctuary activities. “Now let’s start preparing the decorations for Festa Junina. Last year we made the Christmas tree balls”, reveals Kimiko. Anyone who wants to donate materials such as wool and other items for the volunteers’ work can leave donations at the Sanctuary. The meetings are not just about work: every Tuesday they have a snack. “It’s a moment of relaxation, we talk and laugh.”
For Father Rodolfo Trisltz, parish priest and rector of the Sanctuary, this voluntary work is extremely important for the Sanctuary and for the participants. “In all aspects, the craft group is important, from the psychosocial aspect, in which they come together, create bonds of friendship and bonds, in addition to volunteering, helping others as a talent that God gave to each one”, highlights the priest.