One Sherwood Park resident is doing their best to help people on the streets stay warm.
Wendy Johnston started knitting scarved ten years ago in Vancouver while babysitting her grandchildren.
"I decided to try knitting again and figured a scarf would not require much skill," Johnston said.
Over the years Johnston perfected her pattern, buying supplies from local shops. As she became more prolific with her scarf-making, she decided to start donating them to people in need.
"[The scarves] are functional, not fashionable. I generally donate in November or December when the weather turns."
Johnston donates to several causes and even gets her son and daughter to help out.
"I have given [my] church's mitten tree, the Boys and Girls Club, Crystal Kids, and fire halls that collected winter wear," Johnston said. "My son in Camrose gave them to social services there and inner-city schools, while my daughter took them to South Cooking Lake for a school collecting for the needy. "
Johnston never stops knitting, whether she's dealing with sleet, snow, or even extreme heat. She said she was once in Arizona in the heat, and despite the warm weather, she still knitted outside.
"When I’m on a roll, each one takes about 5 - 6 hours and the cost has averaged about 3 - 4$ each. Yarn's cheaper in Arizona!"
Johnston said that she's noticed a yarn shortage recently, which has taken a toll on her knitting. Though she makes up for it by buying clothing on sale and donating them.
"I also find end-of-season deals on scarves, mitts and hats at the dollar stores. Donating a few things doesn’t have to be costly."
Since starting ten years ago, Johnston has created thousands of scarves, which she hands out every year to several charities with the help of her family.
"We have all been out in the cold without mitts or a hat, and cold hurts," Johnston said. "It makes me happy to know that some unfortunate souls are getting something new, pretty and clean just for them."