My name is Cpl. Mark Hoogendoorn. I was wounded this past summer in Afghanistan. I spent the fall and part of the winter at the Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre and I have received a few different quilts from different people along my travels coming back from over seas. I kept a quilt folded on every one of my hospital beds and used them when I was feeling cold during some of my many long nights spent recovering. I also keep one folded at the end of my bed at home now.

I just wanted to send a thank you to everyone that is involved with this organisation and to let you all know how much your efforts are appreciated. It is nice to know that someone takes all the hours and care to make these unique and wonderful quilts for people they don’t even know. It takes someone with a big heart to do this kind of thing.

I am not the only one that gets use out of the quilts that I have. My fiancé has picked out her favourite one and uses it daily. Usually I’m not allowed to use that one. Again, I would just like to say thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you do.

Thank you all for the work you continue to do and for your support of the work we do.

All this aside, I am on a more relaxed mission at the moment: Who made my most awesome quilt?? If the description is not enough, perhaps a digital photo will help. I thought that maybe the craftsperson / artist might like to know my story a little more. I would love to share it with them.

Thank you so much for your wonderful efforts. I never would have guessed the avalanche of emotional gratitude felt after receiving one of these. I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

Mark Salesse,
SAR Tech
444Sqn Rescue

I just thought I would let you know that I received a touching thank you card from Kelly Javed, in Cold Lake. Her husband must have picked my quilt for her, after your recent delivery of quilts.

She would like to thank everyone for their care and compassion. She says her two year old son thinks it is so pretty and reminds anyone who touches the quilt that it is "mommy's blanket."

I was also truly surprised and very pleased my red tessellation/lattice quilt managed to find a home so quickly. I am happy I could do something for Kelly.

I would like to thank QoV and the many people involved in QoV particularly the people who made the Quilt presented to myself last week. I would like to ask you to personally thank on my behalf: Lucienne Martel, Denise Turner, Jeanne Rondeau, Lise Wayne, Marie-Rose Martel and Jan Easton for a beautiful Quilt of Valour whose quality and comfort is appreciated more than words can say.

Once again, Thank You!

I wish to extend my deepest gratitude for the wonderful surprise I had received some weeks ago. During one of our regular meetings with OSIS I was called up to receive one of your quilts.

I was totally surprised and honoured. It has taken some time to write this email because I am having difficulties expressing my thoughts properly. I have my share of medals and commendations and have always been honoured and grateful to receive them. However, the feelings that evening were somewhat overwhelming, I truly felt appreciated by people I have sworn to protect. I was also at a difficult time in my life when not too much mattered anymore. You gave me hope with what you may see as a simple gift of appreciation. I want you to know that it was much bigger and you contributed to healing the soul of a lost soldier.

I lived alone at the time with a cat; we both spent many evenings sharing the quilt. I am at a much better place in my life thanks to a wonderful support group such as OSIS, DVA, friends, family a wonderful lady named Peggy and you.

I've been witness to several more quilt presentations since then and I can assure you that you continue to touch the hearts of the ill and injured.

Bravo Zulu,
Please pass on my sincerest thanks,

Initially not knowing what a courte pointe was in French, being brought up as an Anglophone in the Eastern Townships Québec years ago and learning French with time I asked around and the answer I received was a hand made Quilt.

This morning I went to our IPSC and picked it up, what a nice gesture from your part and a nice surprise, which I will take special care of, you can be reassured.

It was the first time I had ever received a tangible gift other then a thank you, or hand shake, here and there, which I appreciate and take with pride every time from our fellow Canadian Citizens!

We do what we do because we believe in what we do and it is an Honour to be Canadian and represent our values for all here in our home land and abroad.

Everyone without discrimination has a right be heard, understood, educated and in a safe environment in today's society.

This being said, thank you very much for your support, we all appreciate it, without a doubt!

In 2008 I received a traumatic injury during my tour in Afghanistan. It has been a long road of recovery for me, and my family. Knowing there are people in Canada who can take the time to make these quilts for each one of our injured service members means a great deal.

The quilt I received will not be used as a blanket as it was intended, but It means so much to me it will be incased in a frame, and be cherished along side my other decorations.

Hopefully one day there will be no need for anymore QoV. Unfortunately this war on terror will continue even after our mission in Afghanistan has ended. Keep up the outstanding work

From the bottom of my heart I thank you,

Robert O Smith
Corporal | Caporal