Crochet is a skill that can be used for more than just creating beautiful pieces of artwork. In times of disaster, crochet can be used as a tool for helping others and making a positive impact in communities. At the time of writing this over 41,000 people have sadly died due to the earthquake in Syria & Turkey.
As crocheters our first instinct might be to make items to send to the affected areas; but the first question to ask yourself is: ‘Are handmade items needed now, or are they needed at all?’ Sometimes our desire to help can be misplaced and we can accidently overwhelm charities with items that can’t be used. So it’s important to know what is actually needed on the ground. In the first instance agencies will make a call for funds to help support the affected communities. This is the quickest way to provide aid. In the United Kingdom the Disasters Emergency Committee are raising funds to support several charities with experience working on the ground in both Turkey & Syria. You can donate here: https://www.dec.org.uk/
What if I want to help but can’t personally donate?
If you can’t personally financially donate to the rescue effort we have a list of fundraising ideas incorporating crochet! Don’t worry that some of these ideas might take time to organize. Unfortunately, due to the extreme nature of the recent earthquakes, it’s likely that aid and support will be needed in both Turkey & Syria for years to come.
- Crochet a charity blanket or quilt: Gather a group of crocheters to create a large blanket or quilt, and auction it off to raise money.
- Sell crocheted items at a craft fair: Organize a knit ‘n’ Natter or a Stitch ‘n’ Bitch to create a variety of items such as hats, scarves, and bags, and sell them at a local craft fair or community event. Make sure to price them to sell.
- Host a crochet-a-thon: Gather a group of crocheters and challenge them to crochet for a set period of time, such as 24 hours straight. Participants can get sponsors to donate money based on the amount of time they crochet, or the number of items they create.
- Create a custom crochet pattern: Design and sell a unique crochet pattern, and donate a portion of the proceeds. You can also offer to create custom patterns for individuals, with a portion of the proceeds going to a charity helping the rescue effort.
- Sell crocheted items online: Create an online store or use a platform to sell your crocheted items, and donate a portion of the proceeds.
- Host a crochet workshop: Teach others how to crochet, and charge a fee for the workshop. Donate a portion of the proceeds to a charitable organization.
- Crochet a mural or installation: Create a large, eye-catching crochet mural or installation, and auction it off to raise funds. The installation will also gain publicity.
With these crochet fundraising ideas, you can use your skills to make a difference in the world while also having fun and enjoying the art of crochet.
A word of caution: Before you start crocheting, it is important to research organizations that are working on the ground to help those affected by the earthquake. Look for organizations that have experience working in disaster relief and have a good reputation. Some organizations that you can consider include the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and UNICEF.
Looking After Yourself:
- Set realistic goals: It is important to set realistic goals for yourself, as crocheting for disaster relief can be emotionally taxing. Consider starting small and gradually increasing the number of items you make or the time you can invest.
- Take care of your mental health: It is essential to take care of your mental health while crocheting for disaster relief. Take breaks when needed, and seek support from friends and family if you need it.
In conclusion, crocheting can be a powerful tool for helping communities affected by an earthquake. By researching organizations, understanding what is needed, and taking care of yourself, crocheters can make a meaningful impact and help those in need.
Jack's Yarn Crochet Designs 