‘It’s all about creativity’: Winnipeg Humane Society calls for cat blanket yarn donations

The Winnipeg Humane Society needs your help to keep their cats cozy and comfortable as they await adoption.

The Winnipeg Humane Society is looking for some help to keep their cats cozy and comfortable while they await adoption.

Knit and Purling, a group of volunteers that meet weekly at the shelter, knits blankets for newly adopted cats and is asking for donated yarn to keep the initiative going.

“We’re down to the last bits and pieces,” said June Catrijsse, lead for Knit and Purling.

Catrijsse said the group of approximately 25 knitters formed three years ago and aims to make between 30 and 90 blankets a week—which she said corresponds with the weekly number of adopted cats at the shelter.

“Our little group can’t necessarily hit that goal, but there’s a lot of (members of the public) that come in and pick up yarn and take it home, make the blankets and bring them back,” she said.

Catrijsse said the group is looking for number four or five yarn that is 100 per cent acrylic, adding that this yarn is ideal for cat blankets and can hold up for over a decade.

She said donated yarn can be dropped off at the Winnipeg Humane Society at 45 Hurst Way.

People can also knit blankets and drop them off at the shelter, which Catrijsse said should generally be 24” x 24” inches.

“If they’re a little bit larger that don’t worry, that’s fine. We can use them in other areas of the shelter. Or if they’re a little bit smaller, we use them for the kittens that come in,” said Catrijsse.

People looking to also volunteer with the group can reach out to the shelter.

“If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, that’s fine. Just come and we will teach you how to do that,” she said.

The group has also expanded to make dog coats to help keep recently shaved dogs warm and prevent any from chewing out their stitches.

“It’s all about creativity and being a real animal lover.”