I’ve been knitting for more than five years, and it continues to be one of my favourite pastimes. I try to take my knitting with me wherever I go, and enjoy getting to know other knitters in London.

There are many benefits to knitting. Beyond the creative end result, it is also used as a method of relaxation and managing stress, pain management, and even as a meditation tool.

Every autumn, organizations including places of worship and business associations collect materials such as hats and mittens to donate to various London charities. As I became more confident in my work, I started to make materials for our church to pass on to charities.

Then last year I learned about a London charity called Keeping Kids Warm. Their motto is “helping homeless teens, one stitch at a time,” providing warm clothing to schools and organizations across the city every winter. They provide materials and classes to anyone who would like to learn to knit, and all they ask in return is that the student’s first project be donated to the charity. They also accept donated knitting materials to provide to their contributors.

Keeping Kids Warm is a loose organization of more than 120 contributors of all ages and experience from across the city, producing and donating materials for youth in need. They usually work independently, but once a year they get together, encouraging all crafters interested to join them.

Saturday, they’re hosting the ninth annual Knit Out London from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Queen’s Park, Western Fair District.

Event organizer Diana Pincombe, says in eight years, they’ve produced more than 10,000 items for donation. In her eyes, the value is seeing joy and appreciation in both the people that receive knitted clothing as well as those that join the community through their knitting.

The charity has grown from the ground up, without funding or government grants to fulfill a need in our city. Their greatest current need is a permanent, central location. Currently, they store materials all over the city, often in contributors’ homes, before they are donated. They are seeking a business that would be interested in partnering with them.

Everyone is welcome to this event. Come and meet London crafters, socialize, and learn more about this excellent charity. Going to be a great event, hope to see you there!