British Columbia Synod

The Hands of Hope otherwise known as the quilters from Hope, Nanaimo, meet several times a month to quilt for Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR). We started our group about six years ago with about ve people. Now we can have as many as 15 quilters on a Friday morning. This year we made 131 quilts, 131 pneumonia vests and 12 reusable sanitary kits for women.

Our quilts were draped over the seats in the sanctuary on the Sunday of their bless- ing by Rev. Terry Richardson. This visual of the quilts greatly impacted the congregation as they entered the sanctuary! The members had a close-up look and feel of the work we do and how much their contributions will mean to the families who receive them.

All of the fabrics we use are donated by members of the congregation or by friends outside of the congregation. Hands of Hope has several quilters who are not members of our church. Inviting quilters from outside the congregation has been a way for us to con- nect with other community members.

The Men’s Breakfast Group at Hope has been a strong supporter over the years with monetary donations for the purchase of quilt batting. We thank God for their contin- ued support. Members of our congregation have also donated funds to use for that pur- pose. These donations have enabled us to ship several hundred quilts to CLWR over the years. Our local Home Hardware transports our boxes of quilts to CLWR in Winnipeg free of charge. What a wonderful contribution! Thank you to them, too. Our hope and prayer is that other congregations throughout Canada will begin or continue quilting. The need is so great.

— Linda Harvey