I Love Creston May 2017: Krafty Kronys
The Krafty Kronys are guided by their mission statement; “working together to make a difference”. This group dedicates their fundraising to TAPS (Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors).
Prior to 2005, TAPS was a funded IHA (Interior Health Authority) program. When funding was discontinued and new criteria for long term care qualifications were established, our community recognized the need to continue the program for isolated or vulnerable seniors. With the support of Creston and District Community Resource Centre (now Valley Community Services: VCS) and passionate volunteers, a commitment was made to operate the program through this community organisation. Initial financial support would come in the form of community donations and grant proposals and this continues today.
In her obituary in the Creston Valley Advance in Sept 2014, Patti Robichau was acknowledged for her role as the founding member of Krafty Kronys. She loved working with seniors to enrich their lives in their golden years. She was tireless in her leadership, participation and creating alliances in fundraising efforts. She set the bar for what a group with a clear mission could accomplish.
Joyce Seminiuk recalls how it all started in 2006 when a group of women wanted to do something different and were successful with their first craft show in Wynndel. Patti suggested making a donation to TAPS, and they become an official fundraising group for TAPS; the Krafty Kronys were born.
Over the next 8 years, more people joined with diverse skills. Marilyn Lake (deceased) was a strong hand as Treasurer for many years. They continued to do craft shows, involved other vendors and eventually did two shows a year. Patti offered her place for them to meet, and they had a great time sewing, throwing around ideas and socializing.
Jill Fehr (previous TAPS coordinator and current Krafty Krony) recalls other fundraising efforts. Many of you may have purchased one or more of the thousands of the fruit pies they made from local donated fruit. There were draws, raffles, calendar sales, fall fair booths, piggy banks, Tarts’n Tunes and a TAPS store and more. Colleen Kennard initiated an idea and with the help of Dollie Kaetler and other Kronys made hundreds of seasonal and festive gift bags. As TAPS developed programs such as health monitoring, intergenerational projects and more, Krafty Kronys provided some of the needed supplies. Over the years some helped out in the program itself where needed.
At TAPS, the financial support resulted in funds for countless things for the program including a bus and a half for transporting participants to and from home and out into community for shopping, errands and outings. With Patti’s passing, they found a new home in the Nilsson Centre along with TAPS until 2015 when they relocated the shop to the lower level of the Rotacrest Hall on 19th Ave. N. However, the ‘Kronies' were still missing a workspace.
In past issues of the Creston Valley Advance, Marleyne Krell recounted their successes and challenges. She showed that their ‘working together’ value continues today and is evident in the generosity of businesses, financial support from Gleaners, individuals who donate supplies and other craftspeople (Rather Be Quilting group for example) giving handcrafted items and thanks of course to the people like you who have purchased items over the years.
The Telus Ambassadors are another example. Terry Nowak established a relationship with this group of retired Telus employees. They donate to groups in return for specific handmade items which are sold at their outlet in Cranbrook or donate to those in need. An example of which is the current project by Krafty Kronys who are making ‘Knitted Knockers’ for Telus which will be given free of charge to women post mastectomy.
It’s 2017 and the Krafty Kronys continue with the legacy of their beginnings. With the generosity of Mike Poznikoff who built a space for the Krafty Kronys and his staff who share it, they have a working space in the lower level of Creston Card and Stationery on Canyon St in Creston.
The Krafty Kronys would like you to know that they welcome sewers, knitters etc. Some people work on projects at home, others meet at Creston Card and Stationery. Donations of fabric, sewing notions and misc. supplies are welcome and direct financial donations help them purchase needed items. You can contact Jill Fehr at 250-428-4260 or cell: 250-428-6434 for further information. The Krafty Kronys Corner is a point for sales at TAPS.
We want to give a shout out to all the volunteers who contribute quietly in the background to making our community the caring supportive place that it is. The economic and social benefits are rarely acknowledged, and can only be imagined alongside the satisfaction of all those concerned.
The Krafty Kronys are guided by their mission statement; “working together to make a difference”. This group dedicates their fundraising to TAPS (Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors).
Prior to 2005, TAPS was a funded IHA (Interior Health Authority) program. When funding was discontinued and new criteria for long term care qualifications were established, our community recognized the need to continue the program for isolated or vulnerable seniors. With the support of Creston and District Community Resource Centre (now Valley Community Services: VCS) and passionate volunteers, a commitment was made to operate the program through this community organisation. Initial financial support would come in the form of community donations and grant proposals and this continues today.
In her obituary in the Creston Valley Advance in Sept 2014, Patti Robichau was acknowledged for her role as the founding member of Krafty Kronys. She loved working with seniors to enrich their lives in their golden years. She was tireless in her leadership, participation and creating alliances in fundraising efforts. She set the bar for what a group with a clear mission could accomplish.
Joyce Seminiuk recalls how it all started in 2006 when a group of women wanted to do something different and were successful with their first craft show in Wynndel. Patti suggested making a donation to TAPS, and they become an official fundraising group for TAPS; the Krafty Kronys were born.
Over the next 8 years, more people joined with diverse skills. Marilyn Lake (deceased) was a strong hand as Treasurer for many years. They continued to do craft shows, involved other vendors and eventually did two shows a year. Patti offered her place for them to meet, and they had a great time sewing, throwing around ideas and socializing.
Jill Fehr (previous TAPS coordinator and current Krafty Krony) recalls other fundraising efforts. Many of you may have purchased one or more of the thousands of the fruit pies they made from local donated fruit. There were draws, raffles, calendar sales, fall fair booths, piggy banks, Tarts’n Tunes and a TAPS store and more. Colleen Kennard initiated an idea and with the help of Dollie Kaetler and other Kronys made hundreds of seasonal and festive gift bags. As TAPS developed programs such as health monitoring, intergenerational projects and more, Krafty Kronys provided some of the needed supplies. Over the years some helped out in the program itself where needed.
At TAPS, the financial support resulted in funds for countless things for the program including a bus and a half for transporting participants to and from home and out into community for shopping, errands and outings. With Patti’s passing, they found a new home in the Nilsson Centre along with TAPS until 2015 when they relocated the shop to the lower level of the Rotacrest Hall on 19th Ave. N. However, the ‘Kronies' were still missing a workspace.
In past issues of the Creston Valley Advance, Marleyne Krell recounted their successes and challenges. She showed that their ‘working together’ value continues today and is evident in the generosity of businesses, financial support from Gleaners, individuals who donate supplies and other craftspeople (Rather Be Quilting group for example) giving handcrafted items and thanks of course to the people like you who have purchased items over the years.
The Telus Ambassadors are another example. Terry Nowak established a relationship with this group of retired Telus employees. They donate to groups in return for specific handmade items which are sold at their outlet in Cranbrook or donate to those in need. An example of which is the current project by Krafty Kronys who are making ‘Knitted Knockers’ for Telus which will be given free of charge to women post mastectomy.
It’s 2017 and the Krafty Kronys continue with the legacy of their beginnings. With the generosity of Mike Poznikoff who built a space for the Krafty Kronys and his staff who share it, they have a working space in the lower level of Creston Card and Stationery on Canyon St in Creston.
The Krafty Kronys would like you to know that they welcome sewers, knitters etc. Some people work on projects at home, others meet at Creston Card and Stationery. Donations of fabric, sewing notions and misc. supplies are welcome and direct financial donations help them purchase needed items. You can contact Jill Fehr at 250-428-4260 or cell: 250-428-6434 for further information. The Krafty Kronys Corner is a point for sales at TAPS.
We want to give a shout out to all the volunteers who contribute quietly in the background to making our community the caring supportive place that it is. The economic and social benefits are rarely acknowledged, and can only be imagined alongside the satisfaction of all those concerned.
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