Bernie Verreault of Quilts of Valour – Canada Society wraps Veteran Brett Mandryk with a comfort quilt, an award for service and commitment to the CAF and the nation on Dec. 12. (Photo: supplied)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag News
Every hand-sewn stitch is a hug to a Veteran from grateful Canadians when those who have served are blanketed with the award from the Quilts of Valour – Canada Society program, said Bernie Verreault, the organization’s Manitoba volunteer, on Jan. 8.
Verreault was at CFB Shilo on Dec. 12 to present two quilts of comfort to Veterans Brett Mandryk and Floyd Weatherbie in recognition of their contribution to the Canadian Armed Forces and commitment to the nation.
Working in the volunteer position since just November 2023, Verreault has already presented more than 44 quilts with another 28 requests pending.
The Manitoba volunteer said the national program has distributed more than 20,000 quilts since its inception. The website states that the specific number is 21,393 to date.
“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,” Linda Geurin, National President states on the QOV website.
“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 … Each one a handmade hug, stitched with love and gratitude by grateful Canadians,” she stated.
Verreault said the program started in 2006 when Edmonton quilter Lezley Zwaal visited three injured soldiers in the hospital who had just returned from combat in Afghanistan. She wanted to comfort them, blanketing them in love and warmth. Quilts were her way of saying, “Thank you for your service.”
Individual volunteers and organizations from across the country sew the comforters to show appreciation to returned service personnel who may be coping with “visible and invisible injuries.”
Honourably discharged Veterans can be nominated to receive a Quilt of Valour, an award for service, not a gift. To meet the QOVC eligibility, Canadian Armed Forces members (veterans and serving members), regular or reserve force, must meet one of the following conditions: Have served in a combat or peacekeeping mission, including theatres of war, or have become ill or injured as a result of their service to Canada, at home or abroad.
To nominate a Veteran for this award, visit the website: https://www.quiltsofvalour.ca/
Bernie Verreault of Quilts of Valour – Canada Society wraps Veteran Floyd Weatherbie with a comfort quilt, an award for service and commitment to the CAF and the nation on Dec. 12. (Photo: supplied)
Bernie Verreault of Quilts of Valour – Canada Society shows Veteran Brett Mandryk his comfort quilt, an award for service and commitment to the CAF and the nation on Dec. 12. (Photo: supplied)
