Why this organization is 'yarn bombing' Sudbury with these colourful stop sign-size coins

Deafblind Ontario Services, Sudbury region, is "yarn bombing" the city this June to bring awareness to deafblindness.

Yarn bombing is a form of street art where public objects or structures are covered with knitted or crocheted yarn.

Crystal Pigeon-Way, community engagement manager with Deafblind Sudbury, said the yarn bombing is being done throughout the month of June — deafblind awareness month.

She said the aim of the yarn bombing campaign is to let people know that "deafblind people exist."

The coins — which are the size of a stop sign, and are made out of yarn — include one with a beaver on one side and the letters DBOS (Deafblind Ontario Services) on the other, and one has some feathers.

"They were made big enough that they were visible enough, but also small enough that community members can move them out and about around the community," Pigeon-Way said.

She said the four coins are among eight installations across the city.

Pigeon-Way said people who find one of the coins should relocate it to another place in the city, and upload a picture of the coin at the new location to help someone else find it. Each of the coins has a QR code, which when scanned will direct people to the campaign's page on Facebook where they can upload the photo.

People who find all four coins will be entered into a draw which will be done at the end of June for prizes, Pigeon-Way said. 

Julie Hayes, assistant manager at Bay Used Books, said they began partnering with Deafblind Services in 2024 by hosting an installation at the store, and the collaboration continues this year. 

"We really think it's important to bring awareness to Deafblind Services. I don't think people really give a lot of consideration to it unless you're involved directly with someone or you know someone who is needing those services," Hayes told CBC News.

"So, to bring awareness to it in a fun and bright and inviting way, it gets people engaged."

Meanwhile, Pigeon-Way said Deafblind Services operates three supported-living homes in the city and supports nine individuals who are deafblind. 

"I just want [people] to know that deafblind people are here, they're here in your community, they're active members of your community," she said. 

"Some people have jobs, some people go to school,  you might see them out bowling, you might see them at the movie theatre…I just want everybody to recognize and understand they are in the community and they do lead meaningful lives."