July was another busy month as three presenters across the city worked to present as many Quilts of Valour as we could. We presented 47 quilts just in July! So far in 2021, we have presented 96 quilts, and transferred 28 to other districts (total 124). And, just for comparison, by this point last year, we had presented 100 quilts, and in 2019, 109 quilts. Lockdowns do not slow us down! Of course, with all those presentations, we have run down our supply of quilts. If you have quilts that are ready, please give us a call to arrange drop-off or pick-up.
For the most part, I would say that we have caught up on our backlog. There are a few nominations from last winter that are still awaiting presentations, but we have reached out to all of them. We are presenting quilts to people who made nominations last week! The long delays that sometimes occur between the nomination and the receipt is always troubling to me, as I often hear about the difference that the Quilt can make in someone’s life. To me, the delay is akin to delaying a medicine that will improve someone’s health. I am so much calmer when I can present your quilts to their forever homes without delays.
In July, we met people who made such a difference in the military world: divers who conducted recovery dives after disasters, engineers whose work reinforced military vehicles that helped them withstand attack, military veterans who are still contributing to homeless shelters, retirement homes, and trauma counselling.
I received a number of thank-you notes, that I will share with you over the coming newsletters, notes such as this one:
A short note to express my heartfelt gratitude for the presentation of my Quilt of Valour held in your backyard. It was a truly moving experience for both Tanya and I and I am still beaming from the experience.
I was and continue to be particularly touched because of the nature and setting you provided for this presentation for one. But also because of what the QOV program represents for me and other recipients I have spoken to. It is that, unlike a medal, parade or military function and acknowledgment by CF insiders, we truly get a sense that it is the “citizenary” of Canada that acknowledges and appreciates the demands of our Service and of our injuries in the provision of that Service. I, like many others inflicted with PTSD are no longer able to participate in large military functions and/or group settings and the manner in which QOV presentations are made (intimate, personalized, free of judgement and full of appreciation) make it that from the moment we arrived, my fears of the this particular limelight and of being singled out dissipated quickly and I was able to actually enjoy the moment and the kind words.
I hope you will also take some time to read the national newsletter (also in French) which is available at the Quilts of Valour Canada website. There is an article about Jack Koskie, the young man in Ottawa who raised funds to sponsor twelve quilts!
Are you ready for a sew-day? Would you be open to gathering indoors for a sew-day? We would have to limit participation, require vaccinations and masks, but if you are ready, I will see what we can do. It would be nice to see everyone in person again.
Thank you for all you do to support Quilts of Valour – Canada Society. Whether you are stitching blocks, assembling quilts, completing the quilts, or helping behind the scenes, your contribution is so important. If you, or someone you know, would like to get more involved, QOVC is looking for a Fundraising Coordinator and a Special Events Coordinator. You can apply online for either of those positions or contact me for more information.
Happy Summer! Happy Stitching!
Nancy
Ottawa Region: Quilts of Valour - Canada 