Talk about a small but mighty crew dedicated to making Quilts of Valour. Sixteen members of the Foggy Bays Quilting Guild in Arnold’s Cove had made 20 quilts for this proudly Canadian cause.
“We are quite the motivated crew,” Vanessa Francis wrote from the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We were so honoured to contribute to this incredible program since many of our recipients were from our local area. It’s so important to thank our veterans for their service, sacrifice and valour.”
In April, the guild hosted a reception where five veterans received their quilts. Later that day, they held another presentation at a veteran’s home.
Vanessa sends a special thanks to Sandra Power, the guild’s regional Quilts of Valour presenter for doing an amazing job.
“When you share an interest or passion for something, it’s truly amazing what you can achieve,” she added. “This guild has also donated quilts to charity, made chemo hats and presented lap quilts to cancer patients in our area.”
She sent a special shout out to the guild’s seasoned quilters who inspire, teach and mentor new quilters.
The heart of Quilts of Valour
Quilts of Valour operates solely to deliver quilts of comfort to injured Canadian Armed Forces members – past and present. This charity counts on a dedicated team of supporters and volunteers across the nation to fulfill its mission.
As a former nurse in Afghanistan, Lisa Compton has seen the impact of a quilt delivery on an injured soldier. When one arrived for him at a hospital in Germany, he knew people back home cared about his recovery.
These gifts mean more to the recipients than the medals they wear on their chests. Why?
“Because they come from somebody they don’t even know who has spent hours working on something for them. On their darkest nights, they curl up with their quilts and remember why they did what they did for Canada.”
Now, she is president of Quilts of Valour Canada.
In June, Lisa presented six Northcott employees with Commander Coins. This rare honour reflects a military tradition of recognizing people who go above and beyond the call of duty.
In Northcott’s case, individuals from various departments have supported the work with designs, deliveries and so much more!
Without them, Lisa’s team could not provide tens of thousands of veterans with “bundles of love” from other Canadians.
At this point, Quilts of Valour has 2,000 veterans on a wait list, so more are always welcomed. The greatest demand arises from Newfoundland and Edmonton due to the concentration of military personnel based there, Compton says.
So far, 26,000 quilts have been made and delivered to veterans across Canada. Recipients can request a certain theme or colour to suit their tastes.
How to help Quilts of Valour
Lisa invites anyone downsizing to donate fabric for quilts and anyone with a new quilt without a home to contact them about finding it a home.
Here are the standards that reflect the appropriate level of gratitude, whether the donation come from individuals or groups:
• new, high quality 100% cotton on front and back
• prints that are appropriate for a Canadian Armed Force member (fish fabrics are popular!)
• any design; however, recipients often prefer quilts with a Canadian theme.
• minimum size of 55” x 70” and a maximum size of 72” X 84”
• must have a top, batting, and backing, and must be machine quilted or hand quilted, not tied or tufted
• batting of 100% cotton or an 80/20 cotton/poly blend, not wool, bamboo or 100% polyester
• binding double-folded, attached by machine and finished by hand or machine.
• not pre-washed
When your quilt is ready, contact a Quilts of Valour representative in your region. Next, they will make arrangements to pick it up and sew on an official Quilts of Valour label.
Provide your name and the names of others who helped make the quilt so that they may all be added to the label.
You can also join as a member, a regional rep, a group leader or a presenter.
