A Community Making A Difference

In spite of the economic challenges that have engulfed the U.S. this last year, the Boise Community in its usual spirit of caring for the less privileged is determined to not allow their generosity be gnarled.  This holiday several individuals opened up their homes and invited friends to purchase knitted merchandise created by recently resettled refugees from Bhutan. The merchandise which included felted wool coin purses, winter hats, scarves, and hand bags has helped the refugee women raise more than $6,000 to support their families.  
The knitting group which started in November 2008 has operated with the help of dedicated volunteers from the community, one of whom is a nationally known knitting author and instruction.  The group has also received yarn and wool donations from members of the Boise knitting community, manufacturers and wholesalers.  This generosity has helped to keep the costs low.
Refugees arrive in the U.S having endured tragedy, trauma and loss of dignity. In purchasing merchandise created by refugees, the community enables refugees help themselves and also sends a message of solidarity and faith in the quality of their work and their ability to rebuild their lives. It is a message that inevitably helps refugees regain their dignity as they arrive from harm to home.
Be part of our work.  Contact Keziah Sullivan at keziah.sullivan@theIRC.org.