From a Simple Ask to a Sew-cial Success
Sometimes the best community programs start with a simple conversation.
Earlier this year, long-time Renfrew community member Julie Dort, along with her friend Catherine Ford, owner of the Calgary Sewing School, reached out with an idea. They were interested in bringing a Kids Can Sew class to the Renfrew Community Association and shared that other community centres support their programming by offering reduced room rental rates to help make sewing education more accessible to families.
The RCA was happy to explore this opportunity, and during those conversations another idea naturally emerged. One rooted in giving back to the community that was offering its support.
From that spark, Sew-cial Club was born.
Sew-cial Club is a monthly sewing social club designed to bring neighbours together in a relaxed, creative setting. It is not a class or a workshop, just a welcoming space to connect, sew, chat, and enjoy each other’s company. The event is held on the last Friday of each month, creating a new and easy-going tradition for the community.
The very first Sew-cial Club took place on Friday, January 30, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm, and it was a huge success. The room was full of energy, creativity, and conversation, showing just how much appetite there is for low pressure, creative social spaces in Renfrew.
The event is supported by a volunteer bartender, and we are always looking for more community members who might like to help out. Volunteering to bartend is an easy and fun way to give back. Volunteers get to take home their tips while helping support community programming.
Sew-cial Club is a wonderful example of what can happen when local talent, community spirit, and collaboration come together. What began as a conversation about a children’s sewing class has grown into a vibrant new gathering that strengthens connections and celebrates creativity in our neighbourhood.
Sew-cial Club runs on the last Friday of every month. All neighbours are welcome.
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