New Non-Profit Organization Launches in Peterborough

Hearts 4 Joy, a non-profit organization servicing adults over 21 with intellectual exceptionalities, celebrated their official launch on Sunday.

Artists Carly, Derek, Jessica, Jory, Josh, Kacee, Karsen and Luke celebrate Hearts for Joy official launch with MPP Dave Smith on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Hearts 4 Joy.

Hearts 4 Joy is a volunteer-run group that meets three times a week in President Norma Christensen’s backyard to create hand-crafted items.

Christensen and a group of parents started this group to help their kids and others gain independence, build relationships and gain experience in a workplace setting. Profits from sales go to paying participants a wage and purchasing more supplies.

“The idea is to provide something that families with intellectually exceptional young adults can have something to aspire to or become interested in,” said Christensen. “They can develop some real working skills and that’s what we hope to grow in the future.”

The group is currently working on their fall and Christmas inventory.

“We try to use recycled or environmentally-friendly supplies,” said Christensen.

The group sells hand-painted journals, wine glasses and lanterns. Their seasonal items include decorative pumpkins for Halloween and gnomes and Santa plates for Christmas.

“This gives them the idea that they all can be so productive,” said Christensen. “We just need to find the thing they’re passionate about. It’s about providing them those opportunities so that they can learn and they make money while they do it.”

Christensen hopes that soon their organization can find a space to host their meetings and store their inventory so they can continue working even through the winter.

“I actually considered moving my furniture outside so we could work in my house,” said Christensen. “We’ll do whatever it takes to keep it going.”

Hearts 4 Joy is having a pop-up sale at Avant-Garden shop on Sherbrooke Street, Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

You can e-mail hearts4joyptbo@gmail.com for questions or more information.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.