A blankie can do wonders. It can protect a child from monsters. It can keep those harsh chills away. Most importantly, a blankie can be a sense of security.
Project Linus had this same vision in 1998 with more than 5,000,000 blankets being donated to children sick or in need all over North America.
Tabitha Svaren runs a children’s boutique out of her Flin Flon home and saw an opportunity to expand.
Svaren, a mother of six, was looking for a charity to partner with when she came across Project Linus.
“It seemed like it would be a good fit for what I was looking for,” said Svaren, who jumped in with both feet.
Svaren had originally looked into making blankets for Project Linus, but when she was told there were no local chapters she decided to bring the group north.
“I received the information and after reading through it and learning more about the organization, I decided that I wanted to be more involved with it in a deeper capacity than just donating blankets,” she said.
Testimonials
Svaren says testimonials from parents of children who have received blankets from Project Linus helped make her decision easier.
Project Linus in Flin Flon has just officially gotten off the ground as Svaren received the first donations from the Westman Project Linus coordinator to help local children who are sick, hospitalized or going through a traumatic time.
Svaren now has more than 20 blankets ready to be donated, but she encourages local blanketeers – the name given to blanket-making volunteers – to step forward.
“I would love to find a large group of blanketeers who are willing to volunteer their time and skills to making the blankets, as well as connect with a few who would like to be more involved and help in other aspects of this project,” Svaren said. “This is a great way for people to connect with each other and work together to bring something great to those who need it, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Through Project Linus, Svaren hopes to “always have more blankets available in our community than those in need.”
All of the blankets will be donated within the local community and the surrounding area.
Unique to the Flin Flon chapter of Project Linus, children will also be given a stuffed animal when they receive their blankets.
“I think we all have [been in need],” said Svaren. “One of the reasons I am so passionate about this charity is that there are no guidelines on who receives the blankets. They are for any child of any age who may need one at any given time. Whether it is a child who is hospitalized, has been in a traumatic situation, or is just in need of knowing that someone out there cares, that’s who these are for.”
A mother herself, Svaren says the idea that “a complete stranger would take the time to make something so special and needed for my child if they needed it, would be an amazing gift to receive.
“My family is incredibly supportive of this project, and my children think its great.”
Blanketeers range from volunteers helping to create blankets to those working behind the scenes and ensuring all the jobs are filled.
Svaren encourages local participation and hopes to hear from individuals as well as groups to help with Project Linus, which is named after the blanket-toting Peanuts character.
To become a blanketeer, contact Svaren at project [email protected].
