Volunteers spent Tuesday afternoon working to spread joy to hospitalized children during the holiday season.

Crafting for a Cure returned to Winnipeg on Tuesday, with volunteers on hand to build craft kits that will be distributed to Manitoba hospitals over the holidays.

“These crafts are a great distraction,” said Pamela Bielak, founder of Crafting for a Cure. “If you give a child a craft, they don’t think about getting sick, even for five minutes.”

Volunteers took over a room in a Winnipeg hotel and filled bags with yarn and other art supplies. The goal is to create 600 bags for the next season.

Volunteers create craft kits as part of Crafting for a Cure on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 in Winnipeg. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg)

Bielak said it’s not just children who need crafts in the hospital.

“Our crafts can end up in the NICU for parents to make and hang on their child’s bassinet,” she said.

Bielak added that crafts have also been used in the adolescent mental health ward.

Volunteers will be at the Best Western Premier Winnipeg East hotel until 8:30 pm creating crafts and everyone is welcome to attend.

Volunteers create craft kits as part of Crafting for a Cure on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 in Winnipeg. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg)