The Equality Project in Cache Creek has embarked on phase three of its plan to help people in need in the area: a craft program, where the project’s clubhouse friends can learn to make different projects, and a workshop downstairs where friends can learn woodworking and build or restore different items.
“We’re encouraging low income people to start creating things of their own,” says the project’s public relations spokesperson, Joan Henderson. “They can make them for themselves, or to give as gifts. And eventually they can maybe get into making their own crafts to sell at a table at the Cache Creek Farmers and Flea Market.”
A craft table upstairs at the project’s clubhouse on Stage Road is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., and friends are learning to make braided rugs and homemade cards. The material for the rugs comes from clothing that has been donated to the project but which has gone unclaimed for a long period of time.
“They take the clothes that aren’t in demand and recycle them by cutting them into strips and making braided rugs,” says Henderson. “And for people who can’t afford to spend $5 on a card, it’s a way to make them for friends.”
She says that they hope to have the workshop, which will be located in the lower level of the building, up and running in April. A volunteer has already stepped forward to help get it going and teach some basic skills. Henderson says they will be showing people how to make small wooden projects and picture frames, as well as showing them how to refinish donated furniture that cannot, in its current state, be given away or sold.
“And we want to put up a wall to prevent dust from getting into the rest of the basement,” says Henderson. “Our clubhouse friends will help with this, but we’d welcome any other volunteers who’d like to help.”
In addition to volunteers, the project is looking for donations of 2x4 lumber, plywood, drywall, tools, and personal protection equipment such as ear plugs, gloves, and eye protection.
The project has also started “The Firewood Project”, and is looking for donations of tree limbs that are three inches in diameter, or larger older lumber. The trees and lumber will be processed into firewood to help some low income people keep warm next winter. Contact Shelley Milward-Magwood on Facebook, or call the project’s headquarters at (250) 457-6485 on Mondays and Tuesdays for more information or to drop off wood.
The project has between 60 and 80 friends in total, says Henderson, with 20 to 30 people coming to them every week. They offer lunches to friends on Monday and Tuesday, with the clubhouse open from 9:30 a.m.
A one-year membership—which entitles friends to lunches, meals, clothing, furniture and household goods, toiletries, and more, as well as the craft and woodworking projects—is $60, or $5 per month. Memberships can also be purchased by members of the public, to be given to those in need.
“We encourage people to sponsor a member,” says Henderson. “And anyone is welcome to come and join us.”