14 November, 2011

Victoria's Quilts Canada

I had the unique opportunity and distinct privilege to visit with the Amherst branch of Victoria's Quilts while visiting Nova Scotia. Quite literally, I stumbled into the basement of the local Masonic lodge where this group was having their monthly meeting. (Their meeting was advertised as it coincided with the Fiber Festival being held in town over a four day period.) I was warmly welcomed and quickly learned that these generous ladies stitch quilts, on request, for cancer patients to use during their treatments. The national, non-profit, organization has been in place since 1998 and has supplied over 24,000 quilts to those families, and individuals, facing this dreaded disease. There is also an American Organization, Victoria's Quilts USA, based out of California. The quilts are made to specific size requirements and reflect the colors and interests of each individual recipient. I came away after spending an hour with this group inspired and energized, I am deeply grateful for their warm hearts and sincere hospitality.

Finished quilts await "naming"; and the chapter scrapbook documenting the finished quilts:
Quilt tops ready to be layered and basted for quilting:
The congenial group of ladies, hard at work:
Every quilt is placed in a matching, or coordinating, tote bag with a pocket for a book and a bottle of water. These quilts are then easily transported to treaments with the quilt recipient:
The branch raffle quilt, the organization operates solely on donations
to cover their costs of operation:
More finished quilts and tops:
Each quilt is labeled as a "Victoria's Quilt" before it leaves to warm and comfort its new owner:
“Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor dismayed
for the Lord is with you wherever you go” - Joshua 1:9

Life is Good!

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8 comments:

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

I love the idea of the tote bag with the pocket for book and water bottle.

JudyCinNC said...

What a lovely visit you had with Victoria's Quilts. When I made a comfort quilt for my dear friend who is also battling this horrible disease, I also included a tote bag for her to carry to chemo, but only had pocket for keys. I love the idea of the water bottle space. Thanks for sharing - Judy C

Janet O. said...

What a wonderful work they are doing. Thanks for telling us about them and providing a link to learn more.
Hope you didn't hurt yourself when you "stumbled" into their meeting. : )

Teresa said...

Such pretty quilts and a great idea to provide a tote bag for a book and water bottle to take along.

Angie said...

What a wonderful organization. Thanks for sharing the links with us.

Nane said...

Wow these are great, what a productive and big hearted group.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing. :-) Ejoy your week ahead!!

Paula, the quilter said...

The tote bag is a wonderful idea. They are doing some very good deeds, indeed.