Wheatland Quilters and Strathmore and District Christmas Hamper Society join forces

Times Contributor  

 

The Wheatland Quilters started their organization in March of 2012 and already have 25 members who are interested in quilting and fellowshipping twice a month in Strathmore.

The group decided to take on a project to help the Strathmore and District Christmas Hamper Society and together made 110 pillowcases. These pillowcases will be added to the hampers as gifts for the teenagers and younger kids. Wendy Nielsen, chair off the Wheatland Quilters group said that the main focus of the group is “bringing people together to learn from each other, fellowship with like-minded people, practice and learn new techniques but also to give back to the county and the community.” 

The group has done charity work since its inception in a variety of ways: they make charity quilts for cancer patients in the county through Victoria quilts, make burp pads and receiving blankets for Growing Opportunities, and preemie quilts for local hospitals, just to name a few of their projects. The group also holds a quilt raffle during Heritage Days in Strathmore, and held their first quilt show during the long weekend in August, as well, to show off some of their talent and promote their group. 

There is always room for more to join. The group meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Strathmore Quonset on the Ag grounds. They also occasionally meet for “Sewing Sundays” to finish larger projects. 

Nielsen said that they also “have guest speakers to showcase particular techniques and that they learn from one another in the group as well.” For those who wish to donate to the group for their charity projects, 100 per cent cotton and flannel are always a welcomed necessity. For more information on the group contact can be made with Nielsen at (403) 901-3756 or at wheatlandquilters@gmail.com

Jean Buthfer (Secretary for the Hamper Society) graciously accepted the pillowcases on behalf of the Society and said that they are still looking for gifts for teenagers this year. 

“People are generous to the Society in giving through different organizations and schools and businesses. We appreciate all the help we get from the many volunteers who put in numerous hours sorting and packing food and distributing the hampers over the years,” said Buthfer.

In 2012 the Society gave out 200 hampers, and the way the applications are pouring in they will exceed that number this year. Unfortunately the need never decreases. Collection points for food and toys are up around Strathmore and in the surrounding villages. Monetary donations can be mailed to “The Strathmore & District Christmas Hamper Society” c/o Strathmore FCSS (680 Westchester Rd. Strathmore, Alta. T1P 1J1). 

Volunteers are always needed to sort and pack food and toys. Please phone Strathmore FCSS at (403) 934-9090, to register.