Housing for Homeless Veterans, August 2020

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HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETERANS IN OTTAWA

I understand that the readers of this newsletter have honoured and supported our veterans in many ways including the provision of quilts which are both beautiful and practical and a tangible expression of care. You may therefore be interested in a project of Ottawa’s Multifaith Housing Initiative (MFHI – established in 1995) which is now underway to house at least 40 homeless veterans in Ottawa’s old Rockcliffe Air Base.

There are a number of veterans, men and women, ‘living rough’ on Ottawa’s streets and one estimate is that 10% of  Canada’s  homeless are veterans.  This project, now under construction, is scheduled for opening in January 2020 and it is hoped that it might be a pilot for further such homes across the country.  Unlike other projects that we have undertaken it provides not only safe and comfortable housing  and gathering places  but also on-site rehabilitation services thanks to many  local veterans organizations. And veterans tend to create their own community of common experience.

The building is named after Squadron Leader Any Carswell of the RCAF who after his fourth mission with Lancaster Bombers was shot down over Germany and despite escape attempts spent two years as a Prisoner of War.  After the war he tried civilian life, became bored, and returned to the RCAF to fly search and rescue missions.

But it is probably best to see some pictures and check out our website :  www.multifaithhousing.ca/veterans-house.html

And to see our other projects: www.multifaithhousing.ca

Be Well

Peter R. Coffin

Update from The Country Quilter, Aug 2020!

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beach umbrellaI hope that you are all enjoying this wonderful summer weather, although it has been a little dry, the weeds seem to be thriving, and my vegetable garden is happier than last year.

It is hard to believe that we are still in these uncertain times. I have seen some amazing projects that have come out of the isolation. There have also been many charity quilts made from all the stash fabrics that have been accumulating …. Who would have known that we were collecting to use during a pandemic?

To observe the guidelines for Covid the shop will continue to be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 – 1pm. We ask that you wear a mask and observe the social distancing. There is new fabric that has arrived this month and we have ¼ inch elastic in stock again. If you need batting, you can email your order in advance and we will have it cut for you. (thecountryquilter@hotmail.com)

The Tuesday group have been meeting in the back garden each week. You are welcome to join this group, bring some hand work, if you wish! There is room for 6 inside if it is a rainy day.

Quilts for the Queensway Carleton nursery may be dropped off at the shop. They have requested that the quilts be washed.

We are still making toddler quilts for Iqaluit. Please keep your donation until we are ready to ship them north.

The veterans’ home will be opening at the end of the year and it would be amazing to have a quilt for each room. Any pattern and fabrics are suitable. Lap to double sizes are welcome. Please see note from Peter Coffin, below. You do make a difference! Some knitted shawls have been donated as well.

Your support of the shop is much appreciated, as we work to keep business going.

Regards,

Ann McLeanflowers2

Good News!

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Update!

The shop will be open on Wed, June 17th for shoppers, from 9 – 2. Some new fabrics are due to arrive this week. We have lots of 80/20 batting in stock and more solid colours should be in by Wed.

Ouilties for the Queensway must be washed when completed and can be dropped off on Wed. for delivery to the hospital. If you made a quilt for the veterans home or Iqaluit please keep them until we have donation dates set up.

You can call Ann at 613 838-5541, or email at thecountryquilter@hotmail.com with questions or requests. Happy quilting!

Update from The Country Quilter!

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An update from The Country Quilter

This is not what we had planned for March and April at the shop, but we are trying to follow all the guidelines to keep us safe and well. The shop will remain closed until after Easter.  At that time, we will update again. A pick up day may be scheduled for orders made by email. thecountryquilter@hotmail.com  We would confirm your order by phone at which time you can give your credit card #. More details later about that.  All classes are on hold until this is over.

Happily, I can report that all our staff and teachers are well, and keeping busy.

When you are wondering what to do, you could reorganize your sewing area, make a small (8 1/2 x 11” ) door quilt for our sale, make a quilt approximately 40 x 46 inches for the hospital in Iqaluit (these quilts do not have to be kids prints as they are given to the Moms to use,) or make a lap quilt for the new veterans home, any size and colour.

A Challenge!!

Why do quilters have a stash?? Now we know why we were collecting all these years!

I am challenging you to make a quilt entirely from your stash. You could stretch your imagination and creativity and design a COVID-19 Quilt, or use a favourite pattern. Quilt should be at least 52” x 70”.

When we are open for business again, the first 6 people to bring their finished top to the shop and purchase backing fabric for the quilt will receive 80/20 batting for this quilt top free! The next 19 people will, with purchase of backing fabric, get 80/20 batting for the quilt 40% off.

I hope that I have given you enough motivation, that no one will have to resort to house cleaning!!

Stay safe and keep well.

Ann

Update from The Country Quilter!🌷

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As the usual date of our Garden Quilt Show approaches, with yet another sunny forecast, it makes me think of all the wonderful quilts we have displayed over the years. All the talent and creativity of our quilters will have to wait until the next time. Thanks, to all those who passed snowy, cold afternoons making items for the CANHAVE fund raiser as well.


Thank you for your continued support during this uncertain time. It is unlikely that we will be able to continue classes until later with the social distancing and limited capacity in the shop restrictions remaining in place. We will keep you posted.


As we go forward, the shop will be open on Tuesday & Wednesday from 9 – 1pm. You can come along and browse in the shop for fabric for your next project (3 at a time). The exception will be Wed. July 1st when the shop will be closed.

The Tuesday Group are welcome to meet. On sunny days there are 1o chairs scattered around the garden where you can enjoy your coffee, at a distance, and see your friends. There is space inside for 6.


We are continuing to make quilts for the veterans’ home and Iqaluit if you need a project.
Happy Quilting!
Ann🌷

Greetings from The Country Quilter 🌷🌷

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We hope that you’ve enjoyed the fabrics from your stash while in isolation. It is amazing what you find near the bottom.😄
With spring moving on we would be preparing for the Garden Quilt Show. As we have always had more than 20 people attend it seems wise to postpone it to a later date. All those lovely works of art will have to wait along with the CANHAVE fund raising goodies you’ve created. We will see them at a later date. 🌝
As you are aware, the shop is not very practical for safe distancing, so we will not be opening just yet.
It will give everyone time to get the garden and patio planters ready.
All our staff are Covid free and waiting to welcome you back when we are sure everything is safe for us all. We will notify you when that happens.
Cook up some summer recipes and take time to enjoy this slower pace of life.
From your friends at The Country Quilter.