By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
Amanda Brown lets her fingers do the talking.
The shy, soft-spoken young woman can usually be found at her knitting loom, expertly crafting made-in-Ridgetown items. Pastel-coloured teddy bears are her specialty, as are winter hats. To date, she’s knitted thousands of items that have been donated to local charities and abroad.
The 30-year-old, who is developmentally disabled and cannot read or write, was among those recognized for their contributions to Chatham-Kent at the annual Community Recognition Awards gala. Sponsored by CN Rail, the awards honour individuals who give back to the community. Recipients are chosen by Mayor Darrin Canniff and C-K councillors, who greeted them on stage in front of a packed ballroom filled with supporters.
Born in Guatemala City, Brown was adopted by Gord and Barb Brown from an orphanage when she was two. The couple brought her to Canada and she grew up in Ridgetown alongside her brother Nick, an OPP officer. She’s a familiar face to many as she’s often in the company of mom Barb who works at the Ridgetown Independent newspaper.
When asked by a reporter why she knits items for others, Brown said she does it to put a smile on people’s faces.
“To make people happy,” Brown said simply.
Mom Barb said Amanda got the idea of making hats and bears after hearing about children orphaned in Ukraine.
“She came from an orphanage and she heard about the war in Ukraine and she wanted to do it,” Barb explained. “That’s how that came about. She wanted to send teddy bears to Ukraine.”
Brown learned how to use the loom at Community Living. She said she was frustrated at first, but with encouragement she pressed on, becoming an expert at her craft.
Here at home, her bears are getting recognition. Canniff, who has one of the bears sitting on his desk, had Brown make one for all 60 mayors who attended the Ontario Big City Mayors Conference in Chatham-Kent in 2024. Canniff also told baseball superstar Fergie Jenkins about Brown’s extraordinary work and the hall of famer travelled to Ridgetown to congratulate the young woman in person.
Knitting isn’t the only way Brown gives back. She’s active with Community Living and the Ridgetown Aktion Club, helping with events like Easter egg hunts and Teddy Bear picnics. She also helps stock Ridgetown’s FreeHelpCK free food pantry every week and assists the East Kent Celebrates group with events.
Also honoured at Community Recognition Awards for their contributions to Chatham-Kent are Derwyn and Kathy Armstrong, Sheila Bateman, James Benoit, Randi Bokor Caron, Steve Brent, Paul Brown, Doug Buchan, Sara Crombez and Amy Klinkhamer, Jim and Jean Earley, Joe and Jaclyn Faubert, Jim Griffin, Audrey Hind, Gary Jenkins, Sandra Kearney, Brenda LaMarsh, John Lawrence, Frank G. Letourneau, Jim Loyer, Len Maynard, Aline Middleton, Judy Shea, George Sim, James Snyder – posthumously, Dana Taylor, Peter and Annie Timmermans, Rob Vandersluis, Sandra and John Van Raay, Christal and Darren Wills, Patricia Wright and Russell Wright.
