Spread love to those in need
Craft love notes for women in shelters at Feminist Open Mic night Feb. 5
Kari Pedersen
Arts Editor
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, the time of year to spread the love is upon us. For those without a valentine this time of year can be tough, but for those without a valentine because they had to leave an abusive relationship it can be even more difficult.
Meg Crane, editor of Cockroach Zine. based in Winnipeg, is trying to bring some cheer to the holiday by bringing handmade valentines to women’s shelters across Canada.
“I want this to show that there are people out there that are thinking about them,” Crane said in a phone interview with The Reflector.
Last year, Crane was able to give out around 800 valentines to women’s shelters in Winnipeg, but this year she is taking the project to a much wider audience, sending these handmade love bundles to shelters across the country.
“I didn’t start until Feb. 1 last year; we got 800 in two weeks, so I was thinking we could get so many this year since I started Jan. 1.” Crane is hoping to surpass 1,000 handmade cards this year and hopes that this can bring cheer to women in these situations.
On Feb. 5, Crane is bringing her self-started zine to Calgary for an open mic and craft making evening. Teaming up with Feminism Calgary, the event Feminist open mic night will take place at Hear’s my Soul café on 8th Ave. S.E. Crane hopes that anyone who has a talent and can perform with just a mic and small amount of space will come and support the project. Performances start at 7 p.m.
Crane will be bringing along valentines crafting supplies for anyone who would like to contribute to the crafting, and make a valentine to support the cause.
For more information visit the Cockroach Zine Facebook page.