ESTEVAN — What began as a personal coping strategy for Bridget Thimsen turned into a remarkable act of generosity, as she donated over 350 handmade items to the Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas gifts to children in families that applied for the Community Hamper Association's Christmas hampers.
The Angel Tree program ensures all local children receive gifts during the holiday season.
Thimsen, who has been on a mental health journey, turned to crocheting last year to help manage her condition. Starting just before Christmas in 2023, Thimsen began crafting winter toques, Afghans and slippers, which was a process that helped her keep away bulimia, a disease she struggled with years ago.
"Last year, it was trying to interfere with my life again, so I needed to dig in my toolbox. Mental health taught me to have my toolbox handy. And crocheting was my tool to use," Thimsen said, explaining how the craft helped her battle bulimia. "It keeps my hands busy, my mind busy, and keeps bulimia at bay."
At that time, it was purely her hobby, but soon she felt it would be nice to help someone else by giving her creations away. That's when the idea of donating them to the Angel Tree came to her mind.
"I started making toques, and next thing I know, it got to 50, 100, 200, I'm like, okay, I've got to do something, find somewhere to donate it, so I decided to donate it to the Angel Tree," she shared. "That way, I'm helping myself and helping others."
By October, her totals were staggering: 332 toques, seven Afghans and 14 slippers. Each item was made with care and a special touch of kindness.
"As I crochet, I say a prayer for each one. It may not be the same prayer, but there is a little prayer crocheted in that toque, Afghan or slipper," she said.
Thimsen noted that once she decided to donate her handcrafted pieces, the support she received from utilizing this tool to battle bulimia became even stronger, giving her a renewed sense of purpose.
"It supported me. At least that way I knew that I had a goal, and my goal just kept getting bigger and bigger each time. I knew that last year, [the Angel Tree program in Estevan] gifted over 400 people, so I knew I had to be somewhere in that range," she said, adding that it doesn't only help her to get through some tough moments, but also helps her heal.
Thimsen said when she brought her pieces over to the Estevan firefighters who were collecting toys for the Angel Tree at Canadian Tire, they were really surprised and also excited. Thimsen noted the donation made her feel good as well and inspired more work.
She continues to channel her energy into crocheting, and she is already preparing for 2025.
"I've started for 2025. I just have to sit there and sew them up," she said, adding that her ultimate goal — set playfully by a local radio station — is to reach 1,000 handmade items.
Thimsen's hobby and generosity have inspired others to contribute as well, with neighbours and co-workers donating yarn to support her efforts. Her donations are not only keeping kids warm and supporting Thimsen's mental health but also spreading holiday cheer in the community.
For those who may have extra yarn to donate, Thimsen is welcoming contributions, hoping to transform even more supplies into gifts for children next year. People can reach out to her through her Messenger account.
