Do you remember working on the Triangle Log Cabin quilts this past winter? That pattern really does make a lovely quilt and it’s good for using up leftover bits.
Well, this Triangle Log Cabin found its home this week in Petawawa with Michel Gauthier.
I love seeing our quilts in the hands of the veterans. It’s even better when I remember working on it.
Longarmers for hire:
Christine: GREELYQUILTER@GMAIL.COM
Heather: heather.ann.derksen@gmail.com/www.redwillowquilts.ca
Wow! What a busy month we had in July. We presented 20 quilts in the local area, sent 19 to the Transition Centres, and sent 15 to other regions who had more recipients than quilts.
Quilts of Valour Canada works closely with the Transition Centres. When a serviceman or servicewoman is diagnosed with an injury or illness, that individual will work with the Transition Centre to determine the levels of support that are needed. Sometimes that means changing occupation code within the military. Sometimes it means that they must release from the military. It is a difficult and challenging time as the individual learns to cope with the medical and emotional issues around changing their career. The Transition Centre in Ottawa has worked closely with out Ottawa group, to ensure that the quilts are presented in a meaningful way. Everyone there can regale you with stories about how a Quilt of Valour has changed their life, or the life of one of their clients. As I mentioned we delivered 19 in July. TU Ottawa has indicated that they will need approximately 44 by the end of September.
We are conducting all our presentations outdoors at this time. This poses a few challenges. There is something ‘special’ about wrapping yourself in a quilt on a sunny hot July afternoon, especially if it has a minky batting! Light showers can be handled under the patio umbrella, although it isn’t really tall enough for some of our recipients. Heavier showers require moving to the cover of the front porch. Fortunately, when I had to present in North Gower, in the driving rain, the recipient had a large covered porch to keep us all dry. Jill Greenwood has done some of the Ottawa presentations at the cenotaph in Carp. It is a beautiful monument and a perfect spot for honouring our recipients.
Last year, when I visited friends in Stratford, I was asked if I could present to two neighbours. It took a while, but this year when I was visiting again, I was able to meet two very interesting veterans. The first gentleman who served in Bosnia was sure that other people were more deserving, he was “just doing his duty for his country”. He continues to serve his comrades, looking after various duties at the local Legion. The second recipient is a WW2 veteran, aero-engine mechanic. He shared many stories of his time during that period, including stories of the German u-boats that were operating in the Gulf of St Lawrence and the Canadian maritime patrol planes that worked to protect civilian boat traffic.
Quilters and Supporters, thank you for all the work that you do to support the Quilts of Valour mission. The presentation of a Quilt of Valour is a moving and humbling experience. One of our recent recipients sent along this message:
I cannot thank them enough for the time and effort that they devoted in making this quilt. It is beautiful. They can be assured that it will be displayed openly for all to see and be used often. It will not only give external comfort but, more importantly, provide a deep internal warmth. Many many thanks.
Longarmers for hire:
Christine: GREELYQUILTER@GMAIL.COM
Heather: heather.ann.derksen@gmail.com/www.redwillowquilts.ca
Ottawa Region: Quilts of Valour - Canada 