At the kitchen table, in front of the T.V., in the car or before bed, Treasure Fowler hooked, weaved and stitched wherever and whenever she could.
One year and countless balls of yarn later, the 12-year-old had met her goal of crocheting 44 scarves.
Treasure began crocheting last year as a personal fundraising project for the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
Inspired by her grandparents’ fundraising efforts for cancer research over the past seven years, the idea came to Treasure after she received a crocheted scarf as a Christmas gift.
“I’ve always wanted to do something to donate to the Stollery. I don’t think it’s fair that children have to be in the Stollery and not be able to live their lives to the fullest,” she said.
Treasure sold her crocheted ruffle scarves first to family members – including younger sister Oceanna – then to family friends and teachers.
She surpassed her goal following a craft sale last November.
“Her original goal was $500,” said mom Laina. “People were buying them three at a time because it was before Christmas. She sold 11 scarves and that put her over the top.”
The 12-year-old’s earnings added up to $630.
Last month she brought the money to the hospital and presented it to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“I’m proud of myself,” Treasure said. “It’s an indescribable feeling when you can donate that much money by yourself.”
“She did good,” said mom Laina, describing the girl as “very smiley” that day.
The money will fund research and patient care programs at the Stollery.
Treasure’s donation was unique compared to others, said Joanna Pattison, the foundation’s community initiatives co-ordinator.
“Six hundred and thirty dollars was a fairly substantial donation for someone of that age,” she said. “Considering she had to handmade all of those scarves … she put so much work into it.”
Treasure admitted that her crochet hooks are taking a much needed rest now, but she is brainstorming an even bigger project next year.
