Marlene and Pam are not quilters, but they joined VQ London because they believe in its mission. “I’ve lost a sister, mother and nephew to cancer, plus I have friends who are living with cancer; so, I have a personal connection,” Marlene explains. “Professionally, I’m a social worker and love grassroots organi - zations that provide direct support to those in need.” “It’s personal for me as well,” adds Pam. “I also had a good friend who lived and died from cancer.” To keep the quilts free, VQ London relies on financial dona - tions to purchase materials needed to finish the quilts. To learn more about VQC, volunteer, request a quilt, or donate, visit www.victoriasquilts.ca. VQ London also accepts e-trans-
Quilting Comfort and Compassion Marlene Rees-Newton and Pam King Black are two Strathroy women on a mission to bring comfort and compassion to people with cancer and to let them know they are not alone. They do this by helping to lead the London branch of Victoria’s Quilts Canada (VQC) – a national non-profit organization that coordinates the making and distribution of quilts for people living with cancer. VQC was established in 1999 by an Ottawa woman named Bet- ty Giffin who modelled the 100% volunteer-run organization after Victoria’s Quilts in the United States. Betty started with twelve women; the organization has now grown to over 1,300 volun - teers in 25 branches across Canada. London’s branch was formally established in April 2019. Mar - lene was part of the executive committee that spearheaded the effort to create a formal branch that services London and the surrounding communities. “We deliver about 200 to 250 quilts a year,” adds Marlene. Each quilt is unique in design, made with 100% cotton, and backed with flannel for warmth. It comes with a bag so recipients can carry their quilt to treatment. Most importantly, the quilts are free to the recipient and the person making the request. VQ London has 12 to 20 volunteers who meet monthly at Wes- ley Knox United Church in London. Other volunteers work in- dependently on quilts at home. Together, they finish around 15 quilts and 10 to 18 quilt tops each month. Volunteers get all the materials they need from the organizers. Most of the fabric comes from donations. Other materials, such as batting and thread, are purchased using cash donations.
fers at vqclondon@gmail.com. Photo courtesy of Laura Newton
Marlene and Pam holding up one the quilts from VQ London
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