Buy a Hat. Change a Life

Krochet Kids began with 3 guys, and 1 dream. Oh, and a couple of balls of yarn thrown in for good measure.

Having grown up as keen volunteers in the developing world during their summer holidays, the guys soon came to realise that they were very blessed in their lives and circumstances, knowing only too well that there are so many kids out there who just aren’t so lucky with what they’re born into. This sparked something inside of them, and fuelled their desire to help and make a difference wherever they could; in the hope that they could turn someone’s life around, granting them the same opportunities that they themselves had been given.

‘The desire was planted within us to help. To reach out in love. To make a difference.’

Familiar with the old craft of crochet, the guys were egged on by friends and family to use their love of yarn as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty overseas, by teaching people in developing countries how to crochet.

An opportunity arose when the guys were informed about a group of people in Uganda who were living in government camps for a period of 20 years, due to a rebel army that had destroyed the northern part of their country, and a place that they once called home. Subsequent generations were being born into this dependent existence, relying on the government and international aid just to survive. But they’d had enough, and wanted to stand on their own two feet, and be responsible for their lives and their families. 

This is where hook and yarn comes in. Through teaching the skill of crochet, people would be able to hand make amazing fashionable products, while being paid a fair wage to do so, thus enabling them to – for the first time ever – provide a future for their families. ‘By teaching these people to crochet, we would be empowering them to rise above poverty.’ So that is exactly what they did... 

‘The following summer, after countless Skype meetings and late nights, we found ourselves sitting in a simple brick hut with a group of Ugandan women and bags full of yarn.  What followed thereafter remains to be one of the most surreal experiences of my life, as we watched these ladies nearly master crocheting before our eyes.  Tears, primarily from Stewart, were in abundance.’

Since earning its non-profit status back in 2008, Krochet Kids has continued to grow. Today, over 150 people in Uganda & Peru have brighter futures in front of them, thanks to the kind spirits of these 3 generous souls.

‘Our two project locations are but microcosmic examples of what we hope to replicate throughout impoverished communities around the globe.  Join with us as we continue to spread the good word of hope and empowerment …’

The hats on offer are really cute (girls & guys styles are available), and the knowledge that they have been lovingly handmade by a woman in an effort to reclaim the power over her life and her family’s makes it all the more special. Other accessories as well as t-shirts & hoodies are also available. You can shop them @ http://www.krochetkids.org/shop/

In addition, each hat comes attached with a label that has a ladies name written on it. On the KK website, you can type in this name, and take a look at the exact person who made your lovely accessory! Genius.

Why not send her a small note expressing your thanks? Take a look at what this could mean to her:

Krochet Kids has a particularly great business model due to the fact that they aren’t just providing aid to people in need; rather, they are providing the tools for people to take charge of the reigns and get themselves out of the cycle of poverty that has trapped them for too long. This is far better as it is a long term solution, providing people with new skills and, essentially, a business for life. 

And listen up: If you’re a budding designer, keen knitter or crocheter, or even a cool graphics kid – Krochet Kids are looking for YOU to intern with them over in – wait for it – sunny CALIFORNIA! Why not take a vacation, spend some time yarn-lovin’, catch some rays, and help a lot of people along the way? Get on the website now to check out the positions currently on offer: http://www.krochetkids.org/who-we-are/jobs-internships/

The guys pride their organisation on the following values:

People: We desire holistic freedom for our people to grow and enrich their lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Our Product: We believe in quality, handmade products that not only bring comfort and style, but serve as a vehicle for social change.

Love: We believe actions rooted in love bring lasting and powerful change. Our model for love is that of the ultimate servant: Jesus.

And as we all know so very well, LOVE is what makes our world go round. Some people just haven’t figured it out yet, so we must forgive them and show them the way.