Legally blind 82-year-old woman sews 100 blankets for Siloam Mission

WINNIPEG — An 82-year-old Manitoba woman, who is legally blind, has warmed the hearts of many in more than one way.

Dorothy Racine, who lives in the Turtle Mountain area, sewed 100 blankets and over the weekend dropped them off at Siloam Mission for people living on the streets in Winnipeg.

The idea came to Racine years ago after she was approached by her grandson, Carter. He wanted to help keep people living on the streets keep warm so Racine went to work and starting sewing patch-style quilts.

Two other family members also wanted to help, Her great grandchild, Emy along with her son Philip, raised funds to buy socks to attach to each blanket

“The idea was to make socks just in case someone was too big for the blanket and their feet stuck out,” said Leah LaPlante, Racine’s daughter.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The idea was to make socks just in case someone was too big for the blanket and their feet stuck out," said Leah LaPlante, Racine's daughter.

Racine and her family were familiar with Siloam Mission and knew during the cold months ahead, the blankets would be needed.

Over the weekend Dorothy and some family members made the trip into Winnipeg and dropped off the blankets and socks.

Al Foster with Siloam Mission was at the event and shared the story over Facebook.  Days later, it had been shared more 100,000 times, he said.

“People can recognize genuine kindness,” Foster said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "People can recognize genuine kindness," Foster said.

“If you look at the picture you see humility, kindness and gentleness… this resonates with people. This is why I love Manitoba so much. The picture of Dorothy embodies what is good about Manitoba and humanity.”

Foster said the blankets will be used in Siloam Mission’s clothing room. When guests come, they can use the blanket and socks if they need to.

“The blankets won’t last long,” Foster said. “Anything warm this time of year…chances are it’s going to be scooped up quickly.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The blankets won't last long," Foster said. "Anything warm this time of year…chances are it's going to be scooped up quickly."

Passing the tradition along

Racine has 10 children, 27 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.  She has been sewing most of her life and said she’s started passing along sewing skills to her family.

Because of her large family, she has also become somewhat of a celebrity online with all the Facebook shares.

“She did not expect all the hype … but many of her grandchildren who have social media, see the picture and are so proud of her,” she said.