Owen Stewart, who makes candles as a hobby, has taken the initiative to support the community during the Covid-19 pandemic by selling ‘Covid Candles,’ with the proceeds going to local charities.
Amanda Stewart, Owen’s mother, said, “This started for him as a rainy day hobby for he and I to do together. We would save glass jars and then go through the candle making process.
“He loves the naming process and gives all of the scents fun names that contrast the actual pleasant scents [e.g. unbrushed teeth, morning breath, stinky cheese].
“Our intention with this ‘Covid Collection’ was to make a batch to give to family and friends to cheer them up [once the ‘Shelter in Place’ has lifted]. I had sent a few people a preview when we were making them and they suggested we sell them so that Owen could give the proceeds to charity.
“As a result, we suggested to those who showed interest that they make a donation in the amount of their choosing. Owen chose The Family Center as the recipient charity of choice for this batch. Recently, we sold out and will be making a nearly $1,000 donation.
“It is always amazing to see such reminders of community during times like this and, as a parent, I feel so lucky to be able to turn a difficult situation into an chance to teach my kids about the importance of kindness and giving.
“We have had more requests for Covid Candles but are out of soy wax. At this time, we haven’t been able to source more locally, and with the shipping ban, we can’t bring more materials in.
“If we are able to source more materials, we will definitely be making more candles and continuing to give to local charities. We have had people send messages with their orders and send their donations as online transfers. When the ‘Shelter in Place’ has lifted, we will get the candles delivered in a safe way that abides by government movement restrictions.”
To order the charitable Covid Candles – which include scents such as Quarantine Cashmeme, Loco Lock-Down, and Home School Hell – or if you have any information about the local sourcing of soy wax, email Ms. Stewart at amandabda78@gmail.com.
