Clara Preete has been knitting mittens for the Salvation Army for 25 years. (Submitted photo/Charlotte Preete)

By Angie Rolheiser

Christmas mitts

Melfort’s Clara Preete marks 25 years of knitting mittens for Salvation Army

Jan 5, 2022 | 3:30 PM

For 25 years, a senior citizen in Melfort has been knitting mittens for the Salvation Army Christmas hampers.

Clara Preete told northeastNOW she has always made socks, toques and mitts for her family.

“I have a big family on both sides so there was always something to knit to keep everybody going,” Preete said. “Then I got started on doing a lot of mitts and started to think well who could do it for, and then I thought, oh, the Salvation Army could use them.”

A bad shoulder over the course of the past year has slowed down production for Preete but she was still able to get a few made.

“I have gone from doing anywhere from 50 to 60 pairs of mitts each year, this past year I was down to 10,” Preete said.

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Preete was also making toques for newborns at the Melfort hospital prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. She made toques for 12 years for the hospital while also making the mitts for the Salvation Army.

With not being able to knit as much, Preete has been doing more reading but will knit again when she is able.

“I wouldn’t miss knitting if I didn’t have to, my joy of life is knitting,” Preete said.

Being able to donate her creations to a worthy cause is a bonus for Preete.

Salvation Army Captain Rick Robins said they are very thankful for the generosity from Preete over the years and her contributions to the Christmas hampers are greatly appreciated.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser