When three close friends from Spokane, Washington started crocheting unique headwear for snow sports in high school and college, the idea for a revolutionary non-profit company was born. Kohl Crecelius, Stewart Ramsey, and Travis Hartanov were dubbed the “krochet kids” by their local newspaper when they started taking custom orders and selling their crocheted beanies. Encouraged by family and friends to teach people in developing countries how to crochet as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty, they set out to change the world.
During summer breaks in college, the founders volunteered in various developing nations, hoping to gain a better understanding of the issues facing the global community. When Stew returned home from a summer spent in Uganda, he explained how people he met had been living in government camps for over 20 years due to a rebel army that had ravaged the north part of the country. There were entire generations growing up only knowing the camp, relying solely on the government and aid organizations for their every need. These people were yearning for independence from these operating bodies and wanted to be able to work and provide for their own families.
With the incorporation of close friends who shared the desire to see Northern Uganda transformed by hook and yarn, Krochet Kids applied to become a non-profit organization. The following summer, this passionate crew found themselves sitting in a brick hut with a group of Ugandan women and bags full of yarn. As the ladies nearly mastered this craft before their very eyes, the tears started to flow.
Today, there are over 200 people in Uganda and Peru working, receiving education, and being mentored toward a brighter future in creating Krochet Kids intl. goods that give back. Every product is hand-signed by the person who made it, and profiles of the women who make the products are published on their website so that we can learn their stories and how they are being empowered. In this way, you really can #KnowWhoMadeIt.
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