Injured CF members receive quilts of comfort

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Friday, October 23, 2009

Ottawa, Ontario — Approximately 50 volunteers gathered at the Orleans United Church September 19, 2009, to make quilts for soldiers injured in the line of duty. The eastern chapter of the Quilts of Valour – Canada holds many quilting bees throughout the year to recognize the sacrifices of soldiers injured in the line of duty in the fight for freedom and democracy.

Cozy quilts in recognition of cost to soldiers
Master Bombardier Simon Dauphinais of 2 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) was injured during Roto 03-08 in Afghanistan. While on patrol, his Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV III) was struck by an 82mm recoilless weapon. After many months of recovery, Mbdr Dauphinais was presented with a Quilt of Valour. Having never heard of the program, he said he was shocked to receive the quilt, but will always treasure it.

Master Bombadier Simon Dauphinais displays the Quilt of Valour he received after being injured on patrol in Afghanistan.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation started in the United States, but was adopted by Lezley Zwaal in Western Canada as Quilts of Valour – Canada in 2006. The following year, Mary Ewing became the Eastern Coordinator for the organization. The efforts of the volunteers ensure that each injured soldier is wrapped in a “quilt of comfort” upon his or her return home.

“The quilters come together not because of politics, but because they believe in the soldiers that are there,” said Karine Chapleau, executive member of Quilts of Valour, Eastern Region. “Most of these volunteers have no connection to the military, but wish to show their support for our troops and do this small thing to show Canadians care.”

Lengthy labour lauded
Colonel Lawrence MacIsaac, Director Chaplaincy Services and Principal Chaplain Roman Catholic, was invited to spend some time with the quilters during the bee to see what they do. In addition, Col MacIsaac was presented with a quilt made by Sylvie Morin to be hung for all to see in the Chaplain General’s office.

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Col Lawrence MacIsaac accepts a quilt from Quilts of Valour - Canada, Eastern Region. Col MacIsaac was impressed with the number of volunteers who were hard at work making many more much-needed quilts. Volunteers not only donate their time, but also use their own equipment, such as sewing machines, ironing boards, thread and the colourful material used to make these items. Tasks range from cutting, ironing and sewing squares of material to putting the batting in between the inner and outer layers of the quilts.

A quilter might take 30 hours to complete a quilt with an easy pattern, while a complex pattern may require 60 hours of intricate workmanship to produce. These quilts are then given to the different bases for the base chaplains or base commanders to present to injured soldiers returning home from active duty.

If you would like to become part of the Quilts of Valour – Canada, Eastern Region, donate a quilt or sponsor a quilt, please contact:

Mary Ewing, Eastern Coordinator
Quilts of Valour – Canada
230 Daniel Crescent
Rockland, ON  K4K-1K7
Tel.: 613-446-1600
E-mail: marybarry54@sympatico.ca
 
Article and photos by Warrant Officer Evan Cundal