By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – The close-knit mother-daughter duo behind ‘Warm Up Cornwall’ is helping those who need it most, a few handmade scarves at a time.
Since Jan. 15, Chantal Gilmour and her daughter Tina, 13, have left numerous garments in high-traffic areas, inspired by the ‘Warm Up The World’ and ‘Chase the Chill’ movements on social media.
Scarves have been seen tied to trees, light poles, and even a few posts in front of Dairy Queen at Pitt and Thirteenth streets on Sunday, Feb. 1.
“Pick up a scarf or get the supplies to knit one and tie it somewhere where you think people will need it,” said Chantal, nicknamed Charity Knitter.
Cornwall’s ‘Gilmour Girls’ are encouraging people to follow their lead, and are applauding those behind several similar ongoing local initiatives.
“I’m not doing this for recognition, just to keep people warm,” said Chantal.
Tina helps her mom prepare the bundles of warmth with message tags before the pair march through brisk winds to distribute them. The young do-gooder plans to fundraise at her school to help buy more yarn.
Chantal is currently teaching her daughter how to knit. It takes her roughly a day to make each scarf, depending on the style.
“Nobody should go cold – Canadian winters can be rough,” said Tina.
Warm Up Cornwall will continue until there’s no snow left in sight.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Knittingtohelpother or click here.
