Skip to content

Volunteer group donates homemade shopping bags to Archway Food Bank

Fabric Bag Solution makes reusable bags for B.C. food bank patrons
23050365_web1_201022-ABB-Archway-bag-donations_2
The group Fabric Bag Solution recenty donated 45 handmade reusable shopping bags to the Archway Food Bank in Abbotsford. (Submitted photo)

A volunteer sewing group recently donated 45 reusable shopping bag to the Archway Food Bank of Abbotsford.

The bags were made by the group Fabric Bag Solution, which makes the items from donated fabrics, sewing notions and textile discards and then distributes them to B.C. food bank patrons.

Joanne Morneau started the sewing shopping bags following a vacation last year when she became disheartened after snorkeling in the ocean.

She found bleached coral, few if any tropical fish and remote beaches strewn with plastic bags and plastic debris.

Morneau created an easy-to-follow pattern and started sewing bags by herself, with another neighbour donating money for thread and sewing needles.

A few others joined in and last year they made just over 100 bags.

RELATED: Abbotsford charities feel the impact of COVID-19 pandemic

Now a few volunteers pre-cut fabric into kits and straps along with a label. Other volunteers sew up the bags at home.

“Everyone that sews three to five shopping bags is welcome to keep a bag for themselves or can use it as a Christmas gift for family or friends this year. It can’t get much better than that!” Morneau said.

She said more volunteers are needed so that the group can donate even more shopping bags.

Since Jan. 1, volunteers have made over 800 bags, and the group was aiming to hit the 1,000 mark in mid-October.

Lisa Thibault of Abbotsford joined the group earlier this year.

“Lisa is a very talented woman with a big heart. Her creations are beautiful,” Morneau said.

Sewing kits are available for pickup at designated locations in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, or volunteers can provide their own fabric.

Contact Joanne at fabricbagsolution@gmail.com or visit their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.

RELATED: Abbotsford rotary club meets virtually, raises thousands for food bank