October 29, 2025
A few years ago, I decided to create Pass It On – turning a hobby into making something special to support my community through hand sewn bags. What started as an idea of creating something that can help me give back and spread awareness about Halton Food for Thought’s Student Nutrition Programs has now grown into sewing sessions with friends and growing community connections around this cause.
At Pass It On, we believe that every gift should spread a little more kindness.
I create one-of-a-kind reusable wine bags, book bags, aprons and gift bags which are sold through word of mouth with friends, a Christmas Market and now even Farmer’s Markets in the summer. Each year, I come up with new styles and new this year are Holiday Stockings and an extensive collection of gift bags of all sizes.
I have been fortunate to create many connections along the way and inspired by my goal to help students through nutritious food at school, I have received fabric donations from community members to use for my bags and Pass It On through my creations. This year The Decorating Centre in Burlington donated hundreds of beautiful fabric pieces which have made this year’s one-of-a-kind, stunning gift bags possible! I love being able to reuse fabric like this for my work, helping to reduce waste through giving them new life.
Preparing for the upcoming Christmas season when I sell my bags, I start to feel the sense of community as I host sewing bees with gals that enjoy pinning, ironing and assembling the bags. It brings a sense of joy and fun to these creations, creating a community to help support students across Halton. They are fun and productive and help me prepare to be a vendor at the Port Nelson United Church Mistletoe Mart where I will be selling my bags on November 8th from 9am-2pm – I can’t wait to see you there.
What makes each purchase special is the purpose behind it; all proceeds from sales go directly to support Halton Food for Thought’s Student Nutrition Programs, helping provide nutritious meals and snacks to students across our community. As I continue to support the important work of Halton Food for Thought, I am looking for ways to help me raise even more funds to support their work. This summer I ventured into a few farmers markets to get an early start on selling my creations which has already started the fundraising. When you shop with Pass It On, you’re not just giving a gift - you’re helping kids start their day with the food they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Come say hello and shop at the Port Nelson United Church Mistletoe Mart on November 8th. My booth is usually in one of the roomsvdownstairs. You can follow Halton Food for Thought on social media to learnvmore about their work and the students your kindness is Passed on to.
Thanks to everyone who is helping me Pass On the gift of nutrition to our students!
Elaine
