Rotary Club of Acton recognizes ‘Bad Bev’ as Community Champion

While she calls herself ‘Bad Bev,’ there’s no doubt that Beverley McKnight Baddeley does plenty of good for the community and beyond.

The local woman’s charitable endeavours were honoured last night (June 28) when she was named a Community Champion by the Rotary Club of Acton.

Over the past five years, McKnight Baddeley has used her crochet skills to raise over $40,000 for the Acton Fire Fighters Association’s community events, Sick Kids Hospital, Terry Fox Run, Salvation Army, Knox Church, Foodshare, Hike for Hospice, the Legion and Rotary Club.

She accomplished this by selling her handmade towels, dish cloths, slippers and blankets on Facebook and in person at craft shows and sales.

“Bev represents our community with good will, determination and compassion,” said the Rotary Club’s Nancy Wilkes. “Bev is thankless in her determination, however she will make sure you purchase items so she can return the money to her community.”

If you live in Acton, chances are you own something that was crocheted by the crafty woman. She also makes lap blankets for new residents who move into her building - a number that’s hit almost 400 to date.

Councillor Jon Hurst spoke of McKnight Baddeley’s contributions every year at the Terry Fox Run - a volunteer post that she took over after her brother Ron passed away.

“She’s there every year selling our merchandise for us and and she does a wonderful job,” noted Hurst, who went on to present her with a gift from the mayor - a Rick Bonnette bobble head doll. “I happen to know that Bev is not as bad as she lets on.”

As with most who are named Community Champions, McKnight Baddeley was quite humble in accepting the honour. 

“Im overwhelmed,” she said. “I don’t feel I deserve it.”

McKnight Baddeley’s crocheted items can be purchased through her Facebook page.