"Through our refugee services, we welcome people from every corner of the globe. We provide a bed, food and essential support in a family-style atmosphere for up to 30 people at a time. Until they find employment and a place to live, we walk with our residents every step of the way as they begin their journey to independence." (www.matthewhouseottawa.org )
I am very excited to launch Project 'Undercover' this month - some of you may be familiar with Matthew House which provides housing to refugees. I've committed to provide a quilt for every bed in the Ottawa locations: that's 19 twin and 3 queen quilts. Delivery will (hopefully!) be on or before the end of November. Quilts will all be delivered at the same time to ensure every current resident receives one. Residents will be able to take them to their new homes when they move out. Of course if we get more, that will be fantastic. The extras will be gifted to future residents or to Matthew House Ottawa's partner: the Furniture Bank.
So, how can you help?
Donate a quilt - have a quilt laying around in a cupboard that doesn't get used? It would be of great use to keep someone warm at Matthew House. (The photo above is the first quilt to be donated, by Diana Baird.)
Donate a top - have a quilt top that has been in your project box for ages and you don't have a need for? Donate it for Matthew House and Heritage Art will quilt it at no charge.
Want to make a block or several? Group quilts can be fun, so check out my next post for a polka dot group quilt! Any polka dot fabric will do, and then a neutral background to contrast. The pattern will be in my next post here, this weekend.
The goal is to have all the quilts ready for delivery at the end of November - if not before.
If you have something to donate, you can drop it off to my home, my studio at 'The Country Quilter' or contact me and I will happily pick up.
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Smaller quilts (lap size or crib) would be very useful for the Furniture Bank. Did you know the Furniture Bank currently helps 15 families a week furnish their homes? These are refugees and families who have been referred by government agencies or church groups.