Shop handmade ornaments and support a local cause at Daisies and Doilies

Lisa Killeleagh, owner of Daisies and Doilies, poses in front of her handmade tree-ornament collection, with 25 per cent of the proceeds from ornament sales to be donated to Stratford House of Blessing.

Anyone looking for something special for loved ones this year while giving back to those in need should check out Daisies and Doilies’ handmade ornaments, with 25 per cent of the proceeds going to Stratford House of Blessing.

The unique holiday fundraiser is entering its second year at the downtown Stratford business. Last year, the business raised more than $300 and donated it to the Emily Murphy Centre.

“Me and my daughter actually made the ornaments this year, said Lisa Killeleagh, owner of Daisies and Doilies. “I’ve made more ornaments (this year) because I’ve been off with my accident, so I was able to really kind of tap into that creativity a little more.

“(This year), we’re supporting (by) donating money back to the House of Blessing to help those in need. With the wintertime, it’s important to help all those people that can use help. So, I have been making handmade tree ornaments and 25 per cent is being donated to them. My goal for this year is to get to $500.”

Daisies and Doilies has been open for just shy of two years. Located at 68 Wellington St., the business has made a quaint name for itself.

“I think, as a business, you’re part of a community and there are so many people that are in the community. I feel like there’s so many hard times right now. So, doing a give back and giving back; I just feel so grateful that I have this store and that I’m able to create these beautiful things. So, I just feel like it’s important to give back. You know, that act of kindness goes a long way.”

Daisies and Doilies will be selling their handmade ornaments until Dec. 17. They will also be celebrating their two-year anniversary on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 with 15 per cent off the entire store. There will be a draw and some treats available as well.

“I think that it’s just like a circle of love,” said Killeleagh. “I feel like I’m putting my whole heart and love into my artwork, into my store, for my customers. So, when I tell them about (the donation), customers feel good because they know part of that money is going back to help somebody out. So, it’s like they’re able to appreciate the artwork and maybe give it to somebody else or cherish it, but knowing that a percentage of that is going to help somebody out.

“I just feel like maybe that will be contagious, and maybe more people would think, ‘Maybe that’s a great idea, what can I do to help out?’ ”