You can win a scarf!

There are 3 simple steps to enter the free scarf contest:

1 Post information (example below) about Threads of Compassion OKC on your blog or, post a note in your status on Facebook with a link to the Threads OKC blog.

2 Add a comment to this post letting us know which you did (and how to find it if it’s a blog).

3 Email me at [email protected] to let me know you’ve entered the contest.

I’ll take entries up until 7:00am on Sunday March 7^th. Then, at our work day in the afternoon I’ll draw a winner.

The winner gets to pick the pattern from those that I have made previously for this project and any color they like.

Also, you can get multiple entries by donating a scarf starting today until the drawing at the work day.

Here’s some info about Threads to post on your blog –just choose as much or little as you like, please do be sure to include a link to the blog http://blog.threadsokc.org 

Threads of Compassion is a loosely connected group of survivors of sexual violence who desire to offer comfort and support to recent victims. The idea is simple. Anyone whose life has been affected by sexual assault or abuse (either through a direct experience or through supporting a survivor) is welcome to knit or crochet a scarf which in turn will be given to a victim of sexual violence when they enter the hospital for emergency treatment.

One of the main goals behind Threads of Compassion is to break through this silence by acknowledging the pain. The gift of a scarf not only shows the knitters/crocheters concern for the victim, but also expresses their sorrow for what has happened. Each scarf is made by someone who wishes to provide a small amount of comfort against the pain being faced, and by doing so, lets the victim know they are not alone. The scarves are tangible objects that can be held, wrapped around the neck or shoulders, with the deeper meaning known only by the wearer. As each victim touches the threads of the scarves they receive, they are connecting with someone who cares about what has happened to them. A huge message given through a few threads of yarn.

The added beauty of the scarves is that the gift is actually two-fold. Through making the scarves, survivors are provided an opportunity to help other victims (in a very non-threatening way). Everyone remains anonymous. Those who create the scarves never meet the specific people who receive their scarves. That is all handled through the local rape crisis center.  Each scarf will have a small card attached to it that explains the idea behind Threads of Compassion and information on how to contact their local crisis center if they need further help or support.

If you would like to contribute a scarf, please do. We would be honored to receive them. Anyone whose life has been affected by sexual assault or abuse is welcome to make and send a scarf. Whether scarves are done by survivors, or friends and family members of survivors, it does not matter, (scarves can also be made in honor of friends who were raped, family members who suffered sexual abuse, etc.).

I must admit this idea is not original, I saw it on another blog and thought it was worth copying.  I’m excited to see how it works –it could become something we do every couple of months.  We’ll see…