Threads of Care: How Quilting Connects a Community in Campbell River
“May this quilt keep you safe from harm
May it be your good luck charm
I do not know your name
Or the mountains you face
But what you hold in your arms
Is a quilter’s embrace.”
These lines from A Quilter’s Embrace by Cathy Miller, “The Singing Quilter” from Victoria, capture a sentiment shared by many quilters: a deep desire to offer comfort to people they may never meet. Whether it’s someone arriving at a shelter, recovering from illness, or rebuilding after personal loss, the gift of a handmade quilt is unique.
For over a century, quilts have served this role across Canada and beyond. They’ve been sewn and sent across oceans, raffled to raise funds for hospitals, and handed directly to neighbours in need. In Campbell River, that legacy continues today—quietly but powerfully—through the work of the Campbell River Friendship Quilters Guild (CRFQG).
A Long Tradition of Giving
The link between quilting and community care goes back generations.
During World War II, widespread bombing raids in Britain left countless people displaced and in urgent need of warm clothing and bedding. In response, the Red Cross issued a plea for supplies, calling on citizens across the Commonwealth to help. Canadian women answered that call, creating an estimated 400,000 handmade quilts for evacuees, hospital patients, and families who had lost everything. Often made from fabric scraps or repurposed cotton sacks, these quilts were anything but plain—many featured traditional patterns and carefully stitched details that reflected both skill and compassion. One of these wartime quilts is now housed at the Museum at Campbell River, a tangible piece of that history and a testament to the generosity of Canadian quilters.
In 1917, Helen Bull of the Heriot Bay Inn raffled off a handmade log cabin quilt to benefit the Red Cross and military hospital, raising the equivalent of over $5,000 in today’s money.
Stitching Support in the Present Day
That same spirit of care is alive and well in the work of the Campbell River Friendship Quilters Guild, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. With a membership of about 60 women, the Guild has continued to donate both time and talent to causes throughout the North Island.
Since its founding, the Guild has donated thousands of quilted items to local causes. Between 2023 and 2025 alone, more than $12,000 worth of quilted goods—including placemats, bags, and “bowl buddies”—were donated to the Campbell River Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop.
And the donations didn’t stop there:
- 55 quilts were made and given to every resident moving into Eagle Harbour, a supportive housing for women fleeing abuse, with some suites reserved for low-income senior women.
- Each year, 20 quilts are given to the daycare program at Carihi Secondary School, offering comfort to young families.
- Second Chance Recovery House, a local men’s program for those needing help with substance and mental health issues, receives quilts for each resident to use—and keep.
- Contributions are also made to Quilts of Valour, supporting Canadian veterans, and Quilts for Survivors, honouring residential school survivors.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The Guild’s work is not anonymous or abstract. The impact of each donation is felt deeply by those who receive them.
At Eagle Harbour, a new resident reflected:
“When I arrived, I was given a beautiful new quilt. I felt special knowing that someone had gifted me something that they had spent so much time creating. Between loving gifts, staff and a bright new space, I felt safe and comforted for the first time in a very long time. Every day I see the quilt on my bed and I’m reminded of how much people care about me.”
At Second Chance Recovery House, Executive Director Tessera Brooks explains:
“A new client will have the quilt on their bed for the duration of their stay. When they complete the program, they’re invited to take it with them. I see it as a link to their recovery and support—a reminder that they are cared about. The men are often shocked that the community cares about them.”
One former client added:
“The quilt reminds me what I went through and where I don’t want to go back to. I appreciate all that was done for me.”
A Hug from a Grateful Nation
Retired Canadian Armed Forces member Alena Mondelli received a Quilt of Valour from the Guild after serving 33 years. She had joined the Guild herself after retiring in 2024, and was moved by the generosity and energy of the group.
“Imagine a hall filled with an ‘army of grey-haired women,’ taking a whole day with their sewing machines and creative energy sewing together quilt blocks. I was there and participated, sewing together blocks and creating ‘a hug from a grateful nation’ for a Veteran. It was a great feeling being in that moment. Little did I know, my quilt was also being created in that very space filled with an energy of gratitude, love, kindness, and respect for our Veterans.”
The quilt she received symbolized more than just thanks—it became part of her healing journey.
“After my mental health injury and release from service, joining the Guild gave me community, creativity, and kindness. When I received my Quilt of Valour, it was a hug from every person in our Guild. It’s an extremely meaningful and personal symbol of love, gratitude, and healing. I will forever cherish it.”
Quilting as Art, History, and Connection
Starting October 4, the Museum at Campbell River will present a special exhibition in collaboration with the Guild:
Variations in Quilting
October 4 – November 9, 2025
Included with general museum admission
The exhibit will feature a wide range of quilts that demonstrate both traditional and contemporary techniques, styles, and stories. Visitors will learn about the artistry behind quilting, the history it preserves, and the community it supports.
“This exhibition is not just about patterns and fibre art—it’s about connection,” says Amy Vandal, Curator at the Museum. “Quilts tell stories, preserve memories, and bring people together. We’re excited to bring attention to that legacy.”
Why It Matters
In a time of mass-produced, throw-away things, and when many people are feeling disconnected and isolated, the quiet, deliberate care behind a quilt stands out. It reminds us of the power of generosity, of art, and shared purpose.
Through thousands of stitches, countless volunteer hours, and deep community involvement, these local quilters have wrapped their community—literally—in care.
Article written by Alison Liebel, Museum at Campbell River, and Barb Round, Campbell River Friendship Quilters Guild. We are grateful to the individuals who have shared their stories.
Quilts of Valour.
Alena Mondelli stands with her Quilt of Valour, gifted to her by the Campbell River Friend Quilters Guild, which she joined in 2024. She says “After almost 33 years of service and diagnosed with a mental health injury because of my service, I’ve been on a healing journey since I released from the Canadian Armed Forces. The sense of community, creativity, instant inclusion, and overall kindness… that I’ve felt since joining the guild has, without a doubt, contributed to my healing post service. When I was presented with my Quilt of Valour made for me…, it was a hug from every person in our guild.”
Tessera Brooks of Second Chance Recovery House.
Executive Director Tessera Brooks stands beside a stack of donated quilts for the Second Chance Men’s Recovery House. When the Campbell River Friendship Quilters Guild donates quilts, each one is placed on a client’s bed. The quilt stays with him throughout his stay. Upon completing the program, clients are invited to take their quilt with them.
Daycare program at Carihi Secondary School.
Each year, 20 quilts are donated to the daycare program at Carihi Secondary School. One grateful parent shared, “As a mom, I loved that he always knew which bed was his at rest time — and that he could take his quilt with him to his next daycare!”
Daycare program at Carihi Secondary School.