They are all the colours of the rainbow: purple, blue, green and white; some striped, others speckled; still others a solid colour — the soft toques are stacked neatly, on the edge of her bed.
Dorothy Turner, 94, has likely used enough yarn to circle the earth several times.
A life-long knitter, Turner has been crafting hundreds of toques a year for decades for those who need them in Squamish.
She knits daily, year-round, and donates the toques to various organizations including Squamish Helping Hands and Squamish Community Christmas Care.
“Dorothy Turner is a sweet and kind soul,” said Rick McKinney, senior manager with the Squamish Helping Hands Society, calling Turner a true community hero.
“Dot started this heart-warming partnership with Squamish Helping Hands Society in 2011 and has likely made over 500 toques with her own two hands.”
Turner has lived in the Sea to Sky Corridor for about 40 years. Prior to her current apartment in downtown Squamish, she lived at the Woodfibre site for many years, even working at the general store there for 11 years.
She plans to continue knitting as many toques as she can, for as long as she can.
She could use some more yarn, however, if anyone has leftover wool to spare. Drop it off at The Chief office on Second Avenue and we will be sure to get it to her.
Those in need of a little extra warmth when the weather turns chilly can find these beautiful 'made with love' toques at Squamish Helping Hands, the Howe Sound Woman's Centre and the Squamish Food Bank.
