Victora’s Quilts Canada (VQC) supports Canadians living with cancer by providing a warm, comforting, handmade quilt. A branch is open in Okotoks to provide quilts to the area south of Calgary, to the US border, and between the provincial boundaries.
The story of VQC started with a devoted friendship. Victoria Ann Morrison, a cancer patient, was close friends with Deborah Rogers. During her treatments, Victoria noted how cold she felt when in the treatment facility undergoing chemotherapy. After Victoria passed away, that comment remained in Deborah’s mind. Seeking to honour Victoria’s memory, Deborah founded VQC.
Today, VQC has more than 1,500 volunteers across 25 Canadian communities. The quilters are volunteers who either work solo, or in quilting-bee style groups. More than 100,000 quilts have been delivered across the nation since 1999.
Sherri Fedor is a VQC member.
“By providing quilts, we hope to bring physical comfort to those dealing with cancer and let them know that they are not alone in their struggle,” shares Fedor. “Nationally, in 2025, there were 7,496 quilts provided to recipients. The quilts are a gift, and no cost is passed on to the requester or the recipient.”
The Okotoks chapter formed in 2003.
“Until recently, any quilts that had been requested for Medicine Hat and surrounding area had been mailed through Canada Post,” Fedor continues. “In the past couple of months, a Victoria’s Quilt Cupboard was established in Medicine Hat as a place to store quilts that can be delivered or mailed from Medicine Hat. The Okotoks Chapter arranged for 18 quilts to be delivered in April, with a total of 98 quilts provided this year to date. This includes the quilts for Medicine Hat and the surrounding area.”
In the Medicine Hat area, longarmers are currently needed.
“Longarming is the process of binding the three layers of the quilt: the flannel backing, cozy batting, and top to create a finished product that is durable and beautiful,” shares Fedor. We are in the beginning stages in Medicine Hat and currently only need longarmers. If you would like to volunteer to do longarming, please contact victoriasquiltsokotoks@hotmail and your information will be passed on to the representative in your area.”
The impact on the recipients – and the volunteers – runs deep.
“The opportunity to provide support to someone faced with a cancer diagnosis is immeasurable,” says Fedor. “Everyone has had a friend or family member who has been touched by cancer, so offering support is very meaningful. The impact of receiving these quilts has an enduring sense of being supported and cherished.”
To request a quilt for a recipient, go to www.victoriasquiltscanada.com and complete the “Request a Quilt” form; or, you can phone (614) 843-9212. Donations of funds or fabric are a great way to support this cause and can be made directly on the VQC website.
By Nerissa McNaughton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on May 08, 2026 at 10:30
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