A Toronto knitting group has embarked on another productive year of making clothes for children in need.
The Knitting for Shivering Children club has kicked off its 2013 effort with new meetings, each with the aim of preventing respiratory illnesses in children by keeping them warm.
Inside Toronto reports that their latest gatherings saw a group of 28 members in a circle knitting at St Aidan's Anglican church, with 200 colourfully knitted vests piled up in the centre.
The Beach United Church's goal this year is to make 1750 vests, which is more than double last year's number.
These will then be sent to developing countries, after being blessed.
Group leader Pat Davies told the newspaper: "Last year the goal was 600 and we ended up with 1245. A good goal gets people knitting."
Knitting for Shivering Children currently has around 40 members and receives donations from not only Toronto residents, but people in surrounding cities and abroad.
All vests must be sent to the centre by May, when they are hung on clothes lines on display at the church and then blessed on Mother's Day.
The garments are then donated to the non-profit group Canadian Food for Children, which sends clothing, food and medicine to those in developing countries.
Ms Davies explained: "These are to keep them warm at night as many hot countries get quite cold."
As they use such a large range of different colours and thicknesses of wool children can often get to choose their favourite, meaning the more the group can make the better.
Creativity really does keep this project going, with members encouraged to try out new patterns and prints on the vests in as many bold shades as they want.
New participants are always open to join the cause, with current members ranging in age from three months old to 93 years old, although, Ms Davies jokes "the three month olds don't produce a lot".
