Supporting injured Canadian Armed Forces members past and present, with quilts of comfort.
Offrant un soutien à nos membres blessés, passés et actuels, des Forces armées canadiennes, avec des courtepointes de réconfort.
Presidents Message
Linda Gerein
President
Welcome to the Quilts of Valour website.
People often ask me why I volunteer for Quilts of Valour Canada. There are a number of answers to that question but the one that resonates most with me is our Recipients. Seeing the joy and pride reflected on their faces when we present them with their quilt is all the motivation that I need.
Our mission as a Society is to ensure that all Canadian military members, past and present who are ill or injured as a result of their service and sacrifice to our country, are recognized and honoured with a Quilt of Valour. The need for our quilts continues to grow. At present there are approximately 185,000 Veterans, many of whom are eligible to receive a Quilt of Valour. To date we have presented more than 18,000 quilts. Each one a handmade hug, stitched with love and gratitude by grateful Canadians.
As with any volunteer organization we couldn’t do what we do without our dedicated volunteers and sponsors. It is through their generous support and commitment that our organization continues to grow and that we are able to reach so many.
We can always use more volunteers. Canada is a vast country and our recipients can be found from coast to coast to coast. We currently have many communities and rural areas that are a long way from our closest Representative or Presenter.
I urge you to consider Quilts of Valour Canada when you are looking for a place to donate your time, your talents or your resources. There are many things you can do even if you are not a quilter. Click on the Join our Team button on the home page to learn more about how you can volunteer your time or click on the Donate tab at the top of the page to provide financial support.
How We Started
In 2006 a local Edmonton quilter presented quilts to three Canadian Armed Forces members who were recovering in hospital from injuries they received in Afghanistan. It was her way of saying “Thank You" and giving some comfort to these military members. She was not prepared for the impact of meeting these brave young men and learning first hand of their injuries. It made such an impression that it has taken quilter Lezley Zwaal in directions she never imagined. From these humble beginnings Quilts of Valour - Canada was born.
Lezley Zwaal
Founder
Mission Statement
Our mission is to ensure that injured Canadian Forces members are recognized for their service and commitment to our country. We give this support through the presentation of quilts to comfort our injured past and present Canadian Forces members.
Quilts of Valour - Canada Society Launched
Through the encouragement, support and enthusiasm of quilters, the Quilts of Valour - Canada Society was formed as a registered national charity in 2009.
The Quilts of Valour – Canada Society has presented quilts to thousands of recipients who are coping with injuries both visible and invisible. These quilts are made by volunteer quilters from across the country who wished to show their appreciation to our injured Canadian Armed Forces members, past and present for their bravery and commitment to Canada and its citizens. The quilts come from individuals, groups and guilds, men and women, young people, retired armed forces members themselves and many others with no connection to the military.
