Community Quilts – Who Are We and What Do We Do?

We are a committee within the guild.  There is no expectation that guild members participate, but we will welcome anyone who would like to.  Do you like to quilt but your family members and friends are now saying thank you through gritted teeth when you give them yet another quilted project?  Is your scrap pile overflowing?  Would you like to try a new pattern or technique but would like to try it out first?  Would you like to do something for your community and make a difference in someone’s life?  Community Quilts might be the answer. 

This is a list of the type of things that we make, and the organizations that we donate to:

The Transition Society runs Lilli House (a shelter for abused women and their families) and Amethyst House (drug recovery) as well as several counselling programs.  They need quilts for women, children and adolescents.  Approximate sizes are 50” x 60” for adults, smaller for children.

Seniors – we donate quilts to both The Views and Cumberland Lodge.  These are generally smaller quilts, 45” to 50”, for both men and women.

Pregnancy Care Centre – baby quilts, approximately 45” square.

North Island Health – newborn baby quilts given out by Public Health nurses to families in need.  Approximately 40”- 45” square or 40” x 45”.

Vanier Daycare – a program that allows young mums to stay in school while their children attend daycare.  We donate quilts that the children use for nap time and can take with them when they leave.  We donate quilts for babies to 5 years old, approximately 40”- 45” square. 

Quilts of Valour – quilts for Canadian Forces members and Veterans living in the Comox Valley.  Minimum size is 55” x 70”; more information about them and the types of quilts wanted can be found at www.quiltsofvalour.ca

Breast Cancer Comfort Kits – bags and pillows supplies to our local hospital who give them out to breast cancer patients after surgery.  Kits are available (containing fabric, batting and instructions) in the storage room at the hall.  Instructions are also available on the guild website.

WeCanShelter – a volunteer project that turns shipping containers into homes for the homeless.  We have committed to donating 3 quilts a year to them; approximate sizes are 55” x 70”.