This winter, the residents’ crochet and knitting club at Country Cottage in Sherwood Park, Alberta, wrapped up two months of preparation, having spent the fall preparing hand-crafted items for the Chase the Chill initiative—a well-known tradition for many Edmontonians.
Spearheaded by Brenda Ranson and her husband, Stuart, Chase the Chill began 13 years ago with the goal of helping those in need of warm clothing during Edmonton’s harsh winters. Crochet and knitting circles gather year-round to prepare hand-crafted donations, which are then hung in high-traffic locations across the city. The main event typically takes place on the first Saturday of December.
“The morale was so high. It really made [the residents] feel like they were making a difference, especially during the season of giving,” shared Kailey Brown, General Manager of Country Cottage.
This year, the initiative successfully donated over 1,500 items—and Country Cottage’s crochet and knitting club proudly contributed 50 pieces. The club officially came together in early July this year, meeting on a bi-weekly basis and welcoming both experienced and aspiring fibre artists alike.
“I’m a huge advocate for seniors having hobbies,” adds Kailey. “It keeps them going and motivated, but it also makes them part of something bigger.”
According to data from Homeward Trust, homelessness in Edmonton has increased significantly, rising from just under 2,500 individuals in 2024 to more than 4,000 in 2025. Many of those affected are forced to endure below-freezing temperatures throughout the winter months.
“Every year it becomes more and more crucial,” explains Kailey. “And I think that residents are very aware of that, and they’re very happy to contribute.”
After participating for the first time, current club members have agreed to make Chase the Chill a yearly tradition. And as the number of participating residents continues to grow, so does the excitement around how much the club will be able to handcraft for next winter.
“I’m really excited to see it next year. I think they’re going to hit it out of the park,” says Kailey.
The Chase the Chill initiative has even made headlines on CTV News. Read and watch the full story here.