‘It’s so inspiring’: Sask. deaf community hosts holiday craft market

A holiday craft market put on by Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services was held at Market Mall.

A holiday craft market, put on by Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, got underway at Market Mall on Sunday.

Baked goods, local honey, hand-sewn gifts, ornaments and jewelry were some of what filled the tables.

It’s the second year for the market, following a stop in Regina last week.

“It’s a good opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing people to come here, to be able to sell their stuff that they might not otherwise have a platform,” Ren Perra, the Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services’ office coordinator, told CTV News.

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Perra said he has seen shoppers learn some sign language while browsing.

“For me, it’s so inspiring to see deaf and hard of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals, involved with marketing their wares,” said Patricia Spicer, a vocational worker and early childhood & family services worker at the organization.

“We also have people who are involved, and they’re not deaf or hard of hearing, but they are our allies.”

Two quilts, made by deaf seniors, are being raffled off. One of the blankets is stitched with hand signs.

Tickets are $5 and available through Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.