A Strathmore teenager has put together a crochet group for fellow youth.
The club was created from the leadership class at Crowther Memorial Junior High School, which is taught by Lindsay Walker.
"This is the fifth year I've taught leadership," said Walker. "It's about giving kids opportunities to be leaders in whatever capacity is for them. It could be fundraising for something they care about, teaching somebody else something, or volunteering in the community."
"Whatever they do, my job is to support them."
Grade 9 student Lucas McDonald started the group to create a getaway for other local teenagers.
"A lot of kids don't have a space, especially within school, to go and be completely themselves," said McDonald. "We have plenty of kids who come here who aren't just crocheting or knitting. It's a safe space."
McDonald was inspired to create the club after they saw a similar group meet at the Strathmore Municipal Library.
"Seeing everyone come together from all these different fields and coming into a group I figured since I'm in this class I should take the opportunity."
The student was met with criticism from their peers, with some claiming that crochet was a hobby for older people. Despite this, McDonald said they were amazed to see how many kids came out.
"The first time we hosted it we had 15 people and by the second time we had 30 people. That was huge for me. I see kids crocheting in the halls or class now, and it makes my day. It makes me feel so proud to have something to look forward to and to know that I'm the reason these people have a good place to be."
The group has since grown beyond Crowther Memorial students, now including teachers and students from other schools in Strathmore.
"It's awesome to know that everyone is this interested in trying something."
To garner supplies, the school made a Facebook post asking for crochet donations. Over the next few days, several hundred balls of yarn were donated to the group.
"I started crying immediately. We got things that I didn't even think could be donated."
McDonald also helps teach their fellow students about how to crochet, with the group also receiving beginner kits for those trying it for the first time.
They also explained how crocheting has grown in popularity for local youth.
"People need that last resort to go home, sit down, watch a show, and do something with their hands because you don't have to scroll through your phone 24/7. You don't want to lay in bed and do nothing. You need something to do."
The group has been operating out of Crowther Memorial Junior High School since October 2024.