Northern Ont. group sends 8,000th quilt to residential school survivors

A group in Timmins that makes and sends quilts to survivors of residential schools anywhere in the world is marking a major milestone.

Quilts for Survivors, a not-for-profit organization based in northern Ontario’s South Porcupine community, recently celebrated a significant achievement, having donated 8,000 quilts to residential school survivors in just four years.

The group honoured this milestone by inviting key community supporters to a gathering, sending off its 8,000th quilt with love and recognition for the collective effort.

Since its launch in June 2021, the organization has collaborated with a dedicated network of volunteers to create colourful and meaningful blankets for survivors. The initial goal was a heartfelt but modest 215 quilts for local First Nations communities. The quilt showcased at this celebratory event is now on its way to a survivor in Siksika, Alta, representing the now vast reach of the initiative.

Founder reflects: ‘Very, very blessed’

Vanessa Genier, the organization’s founder, expressed profound emotion at the effort’s growth and impact.

“Now 8,000 and still going – I don’t even know how to put into words how I feel – I’m very, very blessed,” she said.

As support for the endeavour continues to grow, her commitment remains unwavering, vowing to pair more quilts with people who request them, regardless of their location.

Looking to the future, Genier has set her sights on even greater numbers and an expanded scope of care.

“Maybe this time next year, it will be at 10,000, but we’re just going to keep making them until people stop asking for them,” Genier said.

Her vision for the organization is inclusive and far-reaching network, ensuring no survivor is overlooked.

“We’re going to try to get every living survivor, whether they’re day school, residential school, 60 scoops or other traumas, everyone’s going to get one,” said Genier.

Enduring impact of healing and awareness

The quilts serve as a powerful symbol of recognition and comfort, helping recipients feel less alone in their journey.

Sherri Black, a councillor representing Missanabie Cree First Nation – Genier’s home community – spoke to the importance of this gesture and the silence that often surrounded the history of residential schools.

“I never even heard about residential schooling until once the government made their apology,” she said.

Black described the personal investigation that followed the national apology, highlighting how many families were forced to confront a hidden past.

“It was never spoken of on my side of the family, so once the apology was made, then… I had to do my investigations, you know, ask the elders and find out what exactly what happened,” she said.

Mission sustained through volunteerism and support

To maintain its remarkable pace and meet its ambitious goals, Quilts for Survivors relies on continuous community support. The organization mails out an average of five quilts each day, a logistical and creative undertaking that demands a steady stream of volunteer contributions. The group notes that volunteers are always needed to contribute quilt blocks.

Furthermore, to increase its capacity, the organization’s board is actively seeking an investment partner to contribute towards the purchase of a new arm quilting machine, a tool that would significantly aid in their mission of providing comfort to survivors.

For more information on Quilts for Survivors, check out its social media page.

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