submitted by Colette Stanisci, President, Kemptville Branch

On June 18, the Kemptville Branch of Victoria’s Quilts Canada celebrated a milestone — we have been making and donating quilts to cancer patients in the Kemptville area for 20 years. The recipient of one of our quilts may be in any stage of diagnosis or treatment and there is never any charge to the person requesting the quilt, nor to the person receiving the quilt.

From our humble beginnings in 2002 when 6 members made and donated 6 quilts, we have grown to over 60 members who all volunteer their time. We now make an average of 200 quilts per year, and in these 20 years our Branch has made and donated over 2100 quilts. Currently, over 40% of our quilts are donated to men.

We make a variety of colours and styles and each quilt has a carry bag so the recipient may bring it to treatments with them, if they wish.

All of our quilts are fully machine stitched and made of 100% cotton with a cozy flannelette base for warmth and comfort, and they are made to withstand many washings.

The anniversary cake was made and donated by one of our members, Anita Frigan

We fundraise and accept donations to purchase our supplies and every dollar is spent wisely. We thank all of you who have contributed to our organization so we may continue our work. We have also been fortunate to receive donations from many individuals as well as various local businesses and organizations, including 100 Women Who Care North Grenville, 100 Men Who Care North Grenville and our local Scotiabank and Walmart. Any donation of $20 or larger receives a tax receipt.

During the pandemic we could not meet in person but our members continued making quilts at home. Fortunately, we are now back to in-person Bees and a great number of our members meet monthly on the third Saturday of each month at St. John’s United Church hall. We do not meet in July and August.

If you wish to request a quilt, or for further information, or if you wish to visit us during one of our quilting Bees, please e-mail us at kemptville@victoriasquilts-canada.com.

To learn more about Victoria’s Quilts Canada and its Branches across the country, please go to the website: www.victoriasquiltscanada.com

 

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