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As our community stays socially distant to protect our families, young local, Merryn (age 10) and her sister, Alexis (age 8), are getting crafty to help our Hospitals. Living in Oshawa, Merryn and Alexis’ Mom is a Hospital hero, working as a Clinicial Practice Lead at our local Lakeridge Health Oshawa Hospital. As both sisters stayed at home from school while the world changed after COVID-19 was announced a pandemic, they both had a lot more time to think about how they could help. When a friend of the family named Brenda dropped off a Rainbox Loom bracelet making kit, Merryn felt the spark of an idea! Now, Merryn has jumpstarted ‘Loomers for Lakeridge’. With help from her sister, Alexis, and some friends, Merryn is making beautiful bracelets and selling them to friends, family and neighbours in support of our Oshawa Hospital. “I like that I can video call with my friends and we can make Rainbow Looms together. It’s about helping my Mom and her friends at work. It’s what I can do right now!” Merryn’s Mom, Katherine, has helped Merryn to share her new charitable craft online by Facebook. Even as she shares news and takes orders for her daughter’s compassionate crafting, Katherine is sure to let others know that this supportive idea was purely Merryn’s! Merryn’s father, Dave, shares that he is incredibly proud of his eldest daughter’s idea and the way that she is choosing to give back to their community. Today, Lakeridge Loomers is booming! These hand-crafted Rainbow Loom bracelets are made with kindness by local Oshawa crafter, Merryn, in support of our Hospital heroes. If you are interested in supporting Merryn and our local Oshawa Hospital heroes, you can message Katherine at katherine.tyndall@gmail.com Orders are $5 per bracelet and there are even custom orders available. Today we are so grateful for community helpers like Merryn who truly showcase the Durham Strong spirit that is keeping us together and that is helping us as Durham Fights COVID-19. If you would like to support the Lakeridge Loomers, please message Katherine now. If you would like to start your own creative personal fundraiser for Lakeridge Health, you can get started online now or contact Helen Knelsen for details (hknelsen@lh.ca).