When Lyla Yaremchuk learned there were no beds in the newly announced cold-weather shelter for Flin Flon’s homeless, she wanted to help.
Harnessing the power of social media, Yaremchuk suggested crocheters in the community create sleeping mats made out of “plarn” – yarn made with plastic bags. It was an idea sparked by a similar project in Winnipeg, and within days, Yaremchuk had received several messages from community members hoping to help.
“There was talk on the Post It page on Facebook about it being so cold,” said Yaremchuk, who wanted to help the local homeless population but wasn’t sure how.
“I’ve always wanted to help in some way, but unless people self-identify as homeless, how do you walk up to them and give them mitts and a coat and hat without offending? I was looking for a way to help without putting a spotlight on any individuals.”
When the conversation on Facebook turned to the Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre opening its doors to house those at risk of homelessness during extreme cold weather – despite lack of funding for comfortable sleeping arrangements – Yaremchuk thought of the plastic sleeping mats she had heard about.
“It’s perfect, because everyone always has bags of bags,” she said, adding she had already crocheted projects out of plarn as a way to reduce waste.
Yaremchuk put a call out for plastic bags, and local businesses stepped up, donating a combined 9,000 of them.
“The response has been phenomenal,” she said.
“People have stepped up, and I’m constantly getting requests [for people to help] make plarn or crochet.”
Yaremchuk said it takes about 1,000 bags to make a single, comfortable mat. She hopes to craft about 100 mats for to donate to the temporary shelter, and said she is still looking for donations of plastic bags.
As for those who will create the plarn and the mats themselves, Yaremchuk said there are about 20 people on board.
“They are coming in daily, as they see the post,” she said.
“This town is great for this kind of stuff, and the response has been wonderful. I’m really happy. It was just a little wee idea and a little post on Facebook, and it has just exploded because of the people who want to volunteer. The people here are awesome.”
The doors of the Friendship Centre will open on nights where the temperature hits -30 with the wind chill from Jan. 8 through March.
A work bee to crochet plastic mats will take place at the Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre on Jan. 13 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Anyone is welcome to attend.
