For an almost 17-year old to have committed to something for 12 years is impressive. For well over a decade, Maryna Ell has participated with the Girl Guides, and she’s still incredibly enthusiastic about it.
In July, about 2,500 girls will be gathering for their Spirit of Adventure Rendezvous (SOAR) event. The event runs from July 19 to 26 at the Riverside Park in Enderby.
Maryna, who is a Ranger, is working with a group of others to create special teddy bears.
“They will be going to emergency services in hospitals to children in need,” said Maryna adding that some might also be sent overseas.
The Guides are aspiring to create about 2,000 of these bears, and Maryna has her target set.
“I’m hoping to make maybe 40 if I can.”
One bear takes about three to four hours to knit. They will be sewn, stuffed and finished at the SOAR event.
However, she does want to contribute more than that and is putting a call out to the community for other knitters and crocheters. There are patterns available, there’s wool, and there’s the need.
For Maryna, knitting is a natural fit. “It’s very relaxing and,” she laughed, “I’m good at it.”
Anyone wanting to help Maryna put a significant dent in the final goal of 2,000 bears can contact her by email, at hi_itsme@shaw.ca (don’t forget the underscore!).