Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by members of a remarkable volunteer organization to celebrate more than a century of compassion, craftsmanship, and community service.

The Needlework Guild began in Dorset, England in 1882, founded to help children orphaned by mining disasters in Wales. The movement spread across Britain and North America — and today, the Toronto branch proudly stands as the only remaining North American chapter.

Each year, its 300 dedicated members knit, sew, and purchase new clothing and essential items for 21 frontline social service agencies across the GTA. Last year alone, they donated over 22,000 items — from baby layettes and winter coats to hats, mittens, blankets, and personal hygiene products.

You’ll hear inspiring stories from longtime members:

• Sue Garskey, who first got involved through her mother, has held many roles including president, and still supports the Guild even after moving to Ottawa.
• Joyce Hisey, recipient of the Order of Canada, who has spent a lifetime organizing volunteers and is now the Guild’s membership coordinator.
• Cathy Reith, who joined about nine years ago, stepped in as secretary and then president, and now helps lead the Guild through a new generation of giving.
• Brenda Rathbone, who joined eight years ago and now runs social media and outreach, helping connect the Guild’s mission to the wider community.

Together, they share how knitting hats, mittens, and baby layettes has become both a craft and a calling — a tradition that blends creativity with compassion.

And fittingly, this interview airs on the same day as the Guild’s annual Distribution Day, when all their year’s work culminates in delivering thousands of handmade and purchased goods to people who need them most.