Heather Wright/The Independent

When she was in her 30s, a neighbour offered to teach Ruth Anne Mater to crochet. It looked fun, so she picked up a hook. It seems to many as though her hands have not been idle since.

Monday, Mater was honoured as Dawn-Euphemia’s Senior of the Year. Mayor Al Broad says Mater “has been a quiet force of kindness and dedication in our community for many years, using her time, talents and tireless spirit to touch lives locally and across the world.”

Mater is a member of the Village Stitchers in Florence. She’s crafted 1,042 pillow case dresses which are sent abroad for those in need including in Ukraine and Thailand.

She’s also an active quilter. Those blankets are used by first responders during emergencies and at local shelters.

And for years, she crochetted tiny hats for newborns at the Chatham hospitals. “Your contributions reflect the very best of what it means to serve others with heart, humility and hands that never stop giving,” said Broad.