‘A real honour’: Victoria retirement home residents stitch quilt to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees

Retirement home residents in B.C.’s capital are testing their quilting skills to raise funds for displaced Ukrainians arriving from their war-torn country.

The three-week feat saw several seniors living at Tapestry at Victoria Harbour weave together “Patchwork of the Heart” — a quilt featuring the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag with an embroidered sunflower.

“Like many others, we were distraught watching Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February of this year,” said quilter Angie Chan. “Out of love and compassion for these displaced people, we felt we had to find ways to help them feel welcome and secure.”

According to Tapestry, Chan and the other quilters formed a “Sip and Stitch” team that’s fueled by a passion for helping others.

In a press release, the retirement home says the residents partnered with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) — a group supporting around 100 displaced Ukrainians seeking temporary residency across the city.

With the quilt project now complete, the goal is to raise $10,000 through the sale of raffle tickets to win the counterpane, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going directly to the ICA.

Tapestry’s senior vice president Adena Waffle says staff is incredibly proud to support its residents through the fundraising initiative, which she finds to be a “tangible reflection” of their commitment to wellness.

“We are focused on inspiring residents to create unique experiences that draw on their talents and interests while engaging in meaningful and purposeful activities that enrich the broader community,” said Waffle.

With one ticket costing $2, three costing $5 and a booklet of ten costing $20, raffle tickets are on sale now until Aug. 31 with the draw taking place Sept. 1. 

Resident Don Ross is a part of the sales team and tells CHEK News it’s “a real honour” to be involved.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to help these poor folks,” added Ross. “I just can’t imagine what’s happened to these people. They’re coming here with nothing and have left everything behind, some of them their brothers, their sons, their husbands. It’s terrible.”

The public can pick up raffle tickets at Tapestry at Victoria Harbour on Belleville Street or call 250-999-1631 for more details.

(Tapestry at Victoria Harbour)

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