At SECC, we believe community is built through connection, creativity, and care — and one of our wonderful volunteers, Leslie, embodies that beautifully through sewing.
Since February 2024, Leslie has been running sewing groups at SECC, starting with just one Wednesday session a week and a maximum of six participants. The group quickly became a hit, with growing interest from community members of all skill levels. About nine months in, SECC’s Hub Manager, Mike, asked if she’d consider adding a second day — and just like that, Thursdays were stitched into the schedule too. Keeping the groups small allows everyone enough time and space to truly get creative.
“This group is for all levels,” Leslie shares. “I just encourage and pass on my knowledge wherever needed.”
Newcomers start with a fully lined bag (complete with pockets!), and from there, the sky’s the limit — dresses, tops, pants, or even recreating favourite wardrobe pieces. The sessions aren’t just about learning to sew; they’re about freedom, expression, and confidence. But that’s not all. A few weeks ago, Mike floated a new idea: Could the group sew curtains for SECC’s Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) clients? The response was instant and unanimous — “YES!” Together, the group plans to make as many curtains as their fabric supply allows.
“Sewing curtains is quick and easy, but to a home, it can make such a huge impact,” Leslie says.“If each of us makes a pair, we can have a total of 25 curtains in under two hours.”
The curtains represent more than fabric and thread — they offer warmth, privacy, and dignity for women and children rebuilding their lives after trauma. It’s a powerful example of how creativity can be transformed into real-world impact.
Leslie’s journey with SECC began long before the sewing groups. During the height of COVID, the SECC Food Pantry became a lifeline for her and her family.
“I remember looking around and being amazed at how this community came together,” she recalls. That’s when she spotted a poster calling for volunteers. “I thought to myself, ‘I need to be part of this and pay it forward.”
After chatting with our reception team, she discovered that SECC already had sewing machines and supplies from a previous group. Everything aligned.
“I believe it’s important to share what makes you happy,” Leslie says. “Meeting in a group, in a social setting where we can be our creative selves, is vital.”
Her story is one of community, care, and creativity — and it’s exactly what SECC is all about.
