The Comfort Quilt program, run by the Stitches from the Heart Quilt Guild, reached an amazing milestone in September. The group donated its 2,000th quilt since its inception in 2005. As all quilters know, wrapping yourself in a quilt is like getting a hug. Quilts provide warmth and comfort especially handmade ones.
The program has supported those in need over the years, including young children traveling to medical appointments out of town. Our quilts have also comforted individuals experiencing a health crisis, such as a cancer diagnosis. They have warmed seniors moving into long-term care facilities and Guild members and their families with serious health issues.
The Stitches From the Heart Quilt Guild provides a small budget to the program to purchase batting and other supplies. Comfort Quilts also accepts cash and donations of quilting cotton from community and Guild members. They use it to stitch beautiful lap quilts that are gifted to those in need.
The program has operated since September 2005 and Susie Kainula has coordinated it for the past 10 years. Susie, and previous coordinator Madeline Watt, has been instrumental in the creation and the donation of 1,907 quilts.
“We have a very dedicated group of members, both past and present, who volunteer their time and expertise. They piece the quilt tops, baste them, quilt them at home and help in many other ways,” stated Susie.
“Quilters are very generous people. All of the support from so many wonderful people over the years has made my job so much easier.”
Ready to take on a new challenge with the Guild, Susie began mentoring the new chair, Kim Gignac. She took over Comfort Quilts on January 1, 2025.
“Kim will do a great job,” Susie predicted at the time. “With the support from all of the sewists who participate, I fully expect that the program will donate its 2,000th quilt before the end of 2025.”
Heart-warming quilt #2000
Susie was right as the Guild reached this milestone in September 2025. Kim organized a celebration to acknowledge and thank all of the sewists who make this wonderful program possible. Kim invited Nancy Guzzo of Mapleview Extendicare and presented her with the 2,000th quilt to give to a new resident.
“It’s pretty amazing!” Nancy said. “The Guild has been very generous with our residents. These warm and cozy quilts make the transition to a nursing home a little easier.”
“It warms my heart to think of all the people who have been given beautiful quilts over the year,” Kim said. “I’m proud to be a part of this wonderful program.”
Comfort Quilts meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Senior’s Centre on Bay Street in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Any sewists interested in participating can register by calling 705-254-6474. We have a $2.50 monthly fee to participate.
The Stitches From the Heart Quilt Guild has provided opportunities for quilters to share, learn and gather with other quilters for more than 30 years. We meet the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Senior’s Centre on Bay Street in Sault Ste. Marie.
With more than 115 members, we always welcome new quilters. Check them out at www.saultquilts.com or on Facebook at Stitches from the Heart Quilt Guild.
For more information about Comfort Quilts, the Stitches from the Heart Quilt Guild or quilting in general, contact Donna St. Jules, Media and Community Relations. You can reach her at (705) 987-5750 or by email at saultquilts@outlook.com.
