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HAY RIVER
A project that began mere weeks ago is now turning into a creative and socially-conscious business venture.

On Nov. 15, Caroline Arcand, Darlene Villeneuve and Dennis Wiebe sat at a rectangular table working on posters and advertising for their joint venture.

Only a week before, on Nov. 8, the small group was cutting material from old clothes and items and re-purposing them to use for crafts.

It's part of a new project taken on by clients of the life skills program at Hay River Committee for Persons with Disabilities. They are reusing material and preparing the fabric along with patterns to sell to crafters and the general public during the weekly Hay River winter market.

"Some people that are part of the program could have their own businesses someday and this is the perfect opportunity to learn about it," said Pravina Bartlett, the committee's office manager. "They are learning about what consumers want, part of the business concept, marketing and giving back to the environment."

After material is cut out and prepared to be used for different patterns, including the one that's placed in the bag along with the fabric, all the scrap remnants are put together in a bag to be used for stuffing.

"It uses up everything; that's the beauty of it," said Bartlett.

Participants said it got them thinking about recycling on the whole, more than before. Arcand said using everything is something she is already in the habit of doing and she's happy to carry that into a project she can work on with others.

"I'm a big-time recycler at home," said Arcand. "I recycle everything from can tabs to dryer sheets. I reuse paper rolls for Christmas decorations. Doing this though, I might be able to make some money."

So far the program has begun with four clients, but the committee's staff wants to extend the opportunity to all of its clients, hopefully helping them brainstorm their own business ideas.

"I can see this taking off really well," said Bartlett. "The starting point is to get the group into it. Who's to say you can't do more than just this?"

Bags of material at the market, along with associated patterns, sell for between $1-$10. Once they establish themselves, the group is hoping to sell reused products at the committee office throughout the week. So far all the material being reused, sewing equipment and co-op membership have been donated to the group.

The goal is for proceeds to pay for expenses as well as be split among those involved in the project.

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