A group of local quilters is doing its part to send warmth and comfort to those diagnosed with cancer in the Cowichan Valley, and is looking for the public’s help with supplies.
The 19 quilters have just started a “friends group” that is associated with Quilts Canada, an organization that provides handmade quilts to people living with cancer in Canada.
The goal in providing the quilts is to bring physical comfort to those dealing with cancer, as well as spiritual comfort in knowing they are not alone in their struggle.
Quilts Canada, which has 23 chapters across the country, has been in operation since 1999 and has distributed nearly 60,000 quilts.
Jayne Shaw, one of the members of the newly formed friends group in the Cowichan Valley, explained that the only Quilts Canada branch in B.C. is in Victoria, so friends groups have formed across the province to meet the need.
“Victoria’s Quilts Canada and the national headquarters handle the administration of the organization, and we just basically make the quilts,” she said.
“The quilts our friends group will make will be for people with cancer in the Cowichan Valley, and we’ll hand deliver them when complete. People who want quilts made for them must register with our national database.”
Shaw said the friends group meets on the third Thursday of every month, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Kiwanis meeting room located at 750 Trunk Rd. and any interested quilters are welcome to attend.
Shaw said the organization is non-profit, and relies on quilting materials and/or money to buy materials from the public.
She said donations of cotton fabric, flannelette , batting, quilt tops, and money would be greatly appreciated.
Shaw can be reached at 250-510-8060, or by email at jayne.shaw@shaw.ca.