Photo by B. Shakyaver
The Huron Fidget Makers gathered at the Lions Youth Centre for a lunch on Wednesday to commemorate a decade of community crafting.
Founder and “Lead Fidgeteer” Janet Clarke says that over their 10 years together, the group has crafted over 2000 fidget aprons for dementia patients – a tactile wearable that helps people with various cognitive challenges to keep their wandering fingers busy.
Clarke shared many thanks, but most of all was thankful for the support of many local organizations that have been valuable partners | Photo by B. Shakyaver
On an average month, the group sees around a dozen volunteers come out and put their hands to work sewing these custom creations – and they’ve made their way across the country.
To celebrate their decade, many service groups that have received aprons from the fidgeteers came to express their gratitude – individual fidget aprons can cost as much as $100 each, and the donation of homemade ones saves many local service groups and long term care homes thousands of dollars a year.
Kind words thanking the group for their countless hours of work included those from the the Queensway Long Term Care Home in Hensall, and the London Health Sciences Centre – and Jeanette Sears from the Huron Perth Alzheimers Society said that the most valuable contribution that the group had made, was creating their aprons with love and personality.
Although they meet at the Lions Youth Centre these days, they got their start at the Exeter Library, and the Huron County Library has remained a strong partner and advocate for the group, helping organize the transportation and gathering of donated materials, and even aprons that have been completed by community members at home. Deputy County Librarian Jenni Boles said that being there from day one, it was an incredible accomplishment to celebrate a decade.
A representative presented a letter and certificate from MPP Lisa Thompson | Photo by B. Shakyaver
Local politicians came out to congratulate the group as well, including Mayor of South Huron George Finch, and a representative on behalf of MPP Lisa Thompson.
Clarke says that hearing so many groups thank them for their work was extremely validating.
Photo by B. Shakyaver
The group isn’t finished yet! Clarke says that they had their biggest turnout ever in January, with 17 crafters showing up in a single day. You can help the Huron Fidget Makers by donating things like zippers, grommets, shoelaces and fabric – the Exeter Library will make sure your materials get where they need to go.
Written by: B. Shakyaver