Inside the Orillia Youth Centre, a sewing program, led by long-time volunteer Marci Csumrik, is helping young people build skills, confidence and connections while reviving the timeless craft of sewing.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a vibrant initiative where creativity thrives and life skills take root.
“Csumrik has been an amazing supporter and volunteer for the Orillia Youth Centre for several years,” says Executive Director Kevin Gangloff. “When it was proposed that she wanted to start a sewing program with Tyhme (our staff member), the immediate answer was yes!”
The program, started small, teaching basic tasks like hemming pants and sewing on buttons.
The first project was dog beds which they donated to the SPCA as a simple and fun way to ease into the craft.
From there it grew, now offering weekly sessions, held on Wednesdays from 3p.m.- 5p.m., that attract both elementary and high school students eager to learn.
“For some of these kids, it’s the first time they’ve had the chance to express themselves in such a hands-on way,” Csumrik shares. “Some have never even cut fabric before and now they’re creating projects that are truly their own.”
The projects have grown in complexity over the years.
Youth have moved from simple pillows to intricate quilts, ornaments, tote bags and even clothing.
They learn to use sewing machines, master hand stitching, create patterns and set goals.
Gangloff sees tremendous value in the program’s structure and impact. “The value and benefit of a program like sewing creates, teaches and offers so many benefits to everyone participating,” he explains. “The group is afforded time to sit together, chat, share how their day has been going, set goals and more. Those quiet moments of just chatting are lost for many in today’s world, making this a truly special opportunity.”
The benefits of sewing extend well beyond fabric and thread.
For participants, it’s a way to build focus, concentration, patience and self-control while developing fine motor skills and learn to problem-solve creatively.
“Youth learn to push themselves outside their comfort zone, see projects through to completion, and share in the pride, joy, struggles and elation of their accomplishments,” Gangloff says.
Support for the program comes from a mix of youth centre funding and community donations.
Csumrik herself has contributed sewing machines and fabric, while residents have donated additional supplies.
This year, a group of youth will take a special trip to Fabricland in Barrie to select their own materials, an experience designed to foster independence and creative exploration.
Csumrik brings a wealth of experience to her role as mentor and teacher.
In the 1980s, she served as the General Manager of SweatHearts, a women’s clothing line manufactured in Toronto.
Later, after moving back to Orillia, she channeled her expertise into creating her own kids’ clothing brand, Marci Wear, which she sold through home parties and summer sewing camps.
“The creativity these youth are showing now is incredible,” says Csumrik. “They’re not just sewing, they're setting goals, building their confidence and discovering what they’re capable of.”
For some, the program has sparked a deeper interest in sewing.
One participant was inspired to buy their own sewing machine to practice at home, while others are exploring fashion design classes at school.
“We are so grateful as a youth centre to be able to offer this program and so thankful to Marci and Thyme for making it happen weekly in our space” Gangloff says.
“I’ll keep doing this as long as they’re interested,” Csumrik shared. “Seeing their excitement and engagement is so rewarding. Sewing is a lost art, but here, it’s becoming a way for them to create, connect and grow.”
For the Orillia Youth Centre, the program has become a cornerstone of its mission to support youth.
It’s a testament to the power of a simple idea, a skilled mentor and a community willing to invest in its young people’s potential.
For more information or to donate materials visit Orillia Youth Centre on Facebook.
OrilliaMatters is proud to make a difference in our community by highlighting extraordinary individuals and organizations with this Cares feature, a foundational piece of our OrilliaMatters Cares program.
The OrilliaMatters Cares team's mission is to create meaningful change in Orillia and inspire others to do the same.
