“Thank you for helping my people heal.” These were the heartfelt words that Cheryl Macumber, a Quilts for Survivors (QFS) board member and mother of its founder, Vanessa Génier, began her comments with in April at a small celebration to mark the shipping of the 5,000th quilt to a residential school survivor. Two short years earlier, this small group had organized to send 18 comfort quilts to residential school survivors, as a symbol of support, respect and love for those who have undergone this trauma. She was genuinely moved and humbled by the outpouring of support being demonstrated by quilters across Canada; truth be told, almost incredulous.
Formerly located in Timmins, Ont., in early September Quilts for Survivors moved across town into a new studio location in South Porcupine. When the Anglican Church of Canada learned that the organization needed a new space it offered them a deconsecrated church, formerly St. Paul’s Anglican Church, free of charge for five years. This relieves a significant question of where and how this not-for-profit will exist for the coming years.
As it happens, our former Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, who is helping our Metropolitan and Interim Primate Anne Germond, Archbishop of Algoma and of Moosonee, was the driving force behind the deal. He understands that truth and reconciliation is an ongoing commitment, something doesn’t happen overnight, and was both honoured and excited to commit to the work being done by Quilts for Survivors.
Hats off to Vanessa for accepting the offer despite the church’s history. The Anglican Church of Canada ran about three dozen residential schools between 1820 and 1969, but she sees being gifted this new home as a profound step along the path of reconciliation and a testament to the apologies that have been given by the Anglican Church and by Archbishop Fred. When it comes to healing and reconciliation, “It’s one thing for the church to talk the talk,” Hiltz said, “It’s another thing to walk that talk and the church needs to be very diligent in that kind of work. So, here’s such a wonderful, wonderful opportunity”.
Last year our congregation fully embraced this important new Truth and Reconciliation outreach, and this year Holy Trinity stepped up again. Early in the spring our quilters and their friends once again began sewing lap quilts, quilt tops, and quilt blocks. Our ACW very generously committed to raising funds to help with the cost of shipping quilts to individual survivors (a significant need) through the coffee hour free will offerings. And our congregation’s generosity was on full display: the $600 fundraising goal was not only met, but exceeded, raising over $700 in record time!
At the end of September on Truth and Reconciliation Sunday, the items made by our quilters were blessed before Jean and Byron Ostrom take another road trip north to deliver them. We expect our delivery to include at least 10 quilts, 13 quilt tops, 24 quilt blocks and 591 metres of binding. The funds raised will buy 23 pre-paid shipping boxes.
QFS is closing in on having shipped 6,000 to residential school survivors. With still over three months left in the year, they’ve almost matched the number of quilts they made last year. Additional items are always welcome. And, as mentioned, the cost of shipping continues to be a significant financial pressure for QFS so if you or your congregation are interested in supporting their efforts, more information is available on their website: www.quiltsforsurvivors.ca.
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