October 2, 2002 – The Chronicle, Montreal’s West Island community newspaper

Sending hope to the Third World - Dorval resident lends lifelong passion for knitting to good cause

BY BARBARA LAVOIE

Knit one, pearl one and pass it on.

Gisele Young, 80 years young, is bringing comfort to sick kids around the world just by doing what she loves to do - knit. And she thinks others should do the same.

Knitting is a passion this Dorval resident has pursued since childhood. "I`m sure I was born with knitting needles in my hands," she said.

Since last year, Young has made more than 400 teddy bears for Teddies For Tragedies, a project that sends the colourful and cuddly bears to children in third world hospitals.

"I just love doing this. Every bear turns out a little different. If I can`t sleep, I even get up in the night to work on them. I just sent another 60 bears last week," explained Young.

Young heard about the project from friend, former neighbour and fellow knitter, Madeline Biggs, that bears were being made and sent to an annual Teddy Bear Picnic held by Liz McCrindle in Puslinch, Ontario. After the picnic, she gathers the bears up and sends them on a journey to such far away places as China, Peru and Guatemala. The next picnic is planned for November 19.

In a letter she received from a doctor in China, Young learned just how important a teddy bear can be to a child. "He told me the children are poor, sick and many are without a mother or father. The teddy bear is someone for them to talk to," explained Young.

Young is as passionate about Teddies For Tragedies as she is knitting. She encourages others to pick up their needles for the cause. "I know there are other elderly people who have some time and would love to do this too," she noted. Young is even teaching a local woman how to knit so she too can make bears. Her husband, Charlie, 86, who tipped off The Chronicle about his wife's prolific passion, is also an enthusiastic supporter. "I`m happy to photocopy the pattern and send it anyone interested in making bears too," he said.

The Young couple, who have no children of their own, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year. When Gisele isn`t busy knitting or Charlie isn`t talking up the project or packing bears for mailing, they are out walking at least 4 miles every day and meeting friends for coffee. They invite anyone who interested in Teddies For Tragedies to call them at 636-9968 for a copy of the pattern. Then you can pass it on.