Homemade quilts of every colour palette and decorative theme adorned the pews of Shawville United Church this past Wednesday for a quilt show fundraiser.

Organized by the Shawville branch of Victoria’s Quilts, the fundraiser was put on to raise money for materials and other operational costs.

A Canada-wide non-profit organization that is run exclusively by volunteers, Victoria’s Quilts gives handmade quilts to people battling cancer. Lovingly designed and meticulously crafted by groups of volunteer quilters, the quilts are gifted to those fighting cancer to “provide physical comfort as well as spiritual comfort in knowing the Lord is with them in their struggle”, according to the Victoria’s Quilts mission statement.

Wednesday’s event drew supporters from throughout the Pontiac. Entry to the quilt show was free of charge, with funds instead being raised through the sale of a generous helping of strawberry shortcake, raffle tickets for two quilts and gift baskets.

Outside light shined through the church’s tall stained glass windows, illuminating the vivid colours of the quilts. With nearly 140 quilts being showcased, each with its own story recounted on an attached card. Many of the quilts were decades old and were acquired as gifts from friends, family and loved ones for special occasions like marriages and births. The time and effort put into each one was evident in their intricate design and adept stitchwork.

“Cancer affects so many people,” said Victoria’s Quilts member Elaine Lang. “We give people quilts to try and make them happy. That’s what it’s all about.”

“We get together once a month and we have about 20 members that come,” said Shawville Victoria’s Quilts member Elaine Richardson. “Since we started in 2008, we have given 900 people quilts. Anyone who is diagnosed with cancer is welcome to get a quilt and we do not charge them for it.”

“I love doing it,” added Richardson, expressing her feelings about quilting. “It’s to keep the traditions alive and it’s a part of our heritage, so I think it’s important. It’s something that we don’t want to lose.”

Outside light shined through the church’s tall stained glass windows, illuminating the vivid colours of the nearly 140 quilts being showcased.

Register or subscribe to read this content

Thanks for stopping by! This article is available to readers who have created a free account or who subscribe to The Equity.

When you register for free with your email, you get access to a limited number of stories at no cost. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access to everything we publish—and directly support quality local journalism here in the Pontiac.

Register or Subscribe Today!