Members of an Abbotsford quilting guild are hand-crafting quilts to warmly welcome Syrian refugee families as they arrive in their new homes in the Lower Mainland.
“We particularly wanted to make the government-sponsored refugees feel welcome,” said Judy Johnson, one of the women spearheading the group’s effort.
“Since they are arriving at a colder time of year, we thought that quilts would help them keep warm and offer a warm welcome.”
The group cut, pressed and sewed together seven quilt tops in just one day.
The group’s members have offered many finished quilts to families in need in addition to the ones started on Feb. 27, and other members are working on more gift quilts at home.
The group is working with Abbotsford and Chilliwack Community Services to distribute the quilts to refugee families.
Laura Miron, another organizer, said, “We really want to thank the community services groups for accepting our offer so enthusiastically and taking charge of giving out the quilts. They are so busy right now and they found time to meet with us and take this on.”
The Fraser Valley Modern Quilt Guild is a group of 69 people interested in modern quilting and helping the community. Find them on Facebook or visit their website at fvmodernquilt.com.