Sudbury woman hides handmade Pokemon characters around the city for people to find

Pokemon Go players might want to look up from their smartphones, because if they're lucky, they might just find a crocheted Pokemon hiding somewhere in Sudbury. 

It's all part of a movement called Crochet Go that was started in the United States by a woman named Nichole Dunigan, who's been leaving handmade Pokemon creatures behind for people to find while they're out playing. 

Sheilaugh Samplonius, who's been crocheting for 12 years, was inspired by what she saw and decided to start something similar in Sudbury. 

"I love crocheting. It's just a really therapeutic past-time for me," she said.

"Everybody I know is overwhelmed with the crochet gifts that I give them. So, I figured that I would give them to some strangers and let them enjoy the pleasure I get in crocheting." 

'A random act of kindness'

Samplonius started hiding her creations on August 16, and they've been found in neighbourhoods such as Lively, Copper Cliff and Memorial Park. 

What Samplonius likes most about starting Sudbury Crochet Go is watching people come across her crocheted characters while they're out playing Pokemon Go. 

"I like to stay and hide them somewhere that I can sit at a bench or a picnic table and see who's going to be the one to find it," she said. 

"I've really just stayed anonymous and enjoy the excitement in seeing them find the Pokeballs or Pokemon creations." 

She instead wants to give away her crochet characters as a random act of kindness. In return, she asks those who find her pieces to pay it forward with another kind gesture.

"I feel absolutely amazing when I see somebody who finds it and it makes them all excited," she said.

"You never know what kind of day somebody's having. They could be having a really bad day. That one random act could just be the thing to make the difference for them."