Retired Ottawa teacher uses her sewing machine to support food banks
When a Ottawa teacher retired, her love and care for students didn’t stop.
Concerned about kids going hungry, she took to her sewing machine and crafted a solution by raising money for various food banks.
Lin Dickson loves to sew, and has a passion for helping people and children.
"I taught at a number of different schools, some in very challenging economic areas. You see so many things, you see families doing absolutely their best to survive, and I see that more and more,” she tells CTV News Ottawa.
Dickson decided to combine the two, turning a hobby into a way to help those in need.
"Loving teaching as I did, I wanted my students to have all of the advantages and I still do - and food is a big one."
She creates aprons, tote bags, mitts from 'bits' of recycled and repurposed materials. Just prior to the pandemic, she began selling the items at craft markets and book clubs, donating the proceeds to various food banks in Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley,
"I taught children who were hungry, but I never taught them much because hungry kids - they can’t process what they’re hearing, they can’t absorb it, they can’t learn. And so, I decided that perhaps I could help the food banks, and put my hobby to good use," Dickson says.
When the pandemic started, Dickson, like many people, spent a lot of time indoors, and turned that free time into inventory, ready to sell and raise money.
Dickson says she’s raised approximately $10,000 so far, which, when combined with the buying power food banks have, ends up being far more.
"So, for every dollar that’s donated to the Ottawa Food Bank, though our partnerships and bulk buying power, we’re able to make that, able to turn that into about $5 worth of food to the community," says Tricia Johnson, Director of Development and Communications with the Ottawa Food Bank.
It’s also an inspiration to others.
"When people use their resources - whether it’s their time, their talent, their treasure, not just to give back community members in need, but to inspire others to join them in giving back, it really is very, very affecting," Johnson says.
Janet Secord helps Dickson find materials.
"It’s been a tonne of fun to work with Lin through all of this; but, it’s also been really moving to see the responses of people when they discover that the entire cost of their purchase is going to the food bank."
Dickson is selling her creations at various craft sales throughout Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley, and is planning to sell out of her home on Gilbert Avenue in Ottawa on Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You can also contact Dickson at lindickson@rogers.com.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump fined US$1,000 for gag order violation in hush money case as judge warns of possible jail time
The judge presiding over Donald Trump's hush money trial has fined him US$1,000 for violating his gag order and sternly warned the former president that additional violation could result in jail time.
The story of how a B.C. man found his birth mother
After his adopted parents died, Dave Rogers set out to learn more about his birth mother. DNA results and a little help from friendly strangers would put him on a path to a small town in England.
When grief and AI collide: These people are communicating with the dead
AI tools can offer recommendations, answer questions and 'talk' with users. But some users are using them to recreate the likeness of the dead.
Spike in 'violent rhetoric' since Oct. 7 attack from 'extremist actors,' CSIS warns
The Israel-Hamas war has led to a spike in 'violent rhetoric' from 'extremist actors' that could prompt some in Canada to turn to violence, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service warns.
Italy's white-collar mafia is making a business killing
Italy's mafia rarely dirties its hands with blood these days. Extortion rackets have gone out of fashion and murders are largely frowned upon by the godfathers.
WestJet, mechanics union agree to tentative deal to avoid strike
A potential strike between WestJet and its mechanics union appears to have been avoided.
Russia announces nuclear weapon drills after angry exchange with senior Western officials
Russia plans to hold drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons, the Defense Ministry announced Monday, days after the Kremlin reacted angrily to comments by senior Western officials about the war in Ukraine and Moscow warned that tensions with the West are deepening.
Summer forecast: What to expect as El Nino weakens
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.