Transition Centre Trenton and Quilts of Valour team up against COVID

 Rae Chadwick, Return to Duty Coordinator and Client Services TC Trenton ~

A Trenton Quilts of Valour (QoV) group turned their quilting skills from comfort to safety after one member saw a need to protect military members, their families, and the 8 Wing Trenton community against the spread of COVID-19.

“The idea came up as the demand grew,” said Sergeant (Sgt) Luc Jean, Section Coordinator, Transition Centre Trenton (TC Trenton), and 8 Wing’s QoV military liaison. “I approached the Quilts of Valour Trenton group with a Facial Covering for Soldiers challenge, and in less than two weeks hundreds of masks were made.”

Out of those masks, some were donated to families attending the recent repatriation ceremony for six Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who died in a helicopter crash during Operation Reassurance.

QoV Canada is a registered charity that acknowledges the significant contribution made by injured CAF members and veterans. They design and produce quilts to support injured CAF members and veterans.

“I chose to be a part of Quilts of Valour for many reasons,” said Denise Wenzel, Quinte/Belleville/Trenton Area Representative QoV – Canada Society. “The organization is made up entirely of volunteers and the quilts we make are a way to thank our military members who have made sacrifices most of us can only imagine.”

Twelve quilters from the Trenton group are involved in the challenge. To ensure their own safety, quilters are working from home. There are a variety of masks – some have ties and filters while others have elastic around the ears. The design of the masks was created by local quilters, and Sgt Jean personally donated money for supplies to help kick off the challenge. 

“I donated a small amount of money to support some supply orders. Others have offered generous donations as well. I believe these masks can help keep our military and veteran community safe during this crisis,” he said.

Aside from the repatriation ceremony, the masks have been distributed to TC Trenton’s ill and injured members with a plan to send them to other TCs in need. According to Sgt Jean, the next step will be to distribute masks to the Trenton Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) and then the rest of the 8 Wing community.

“I am so proud of the Trenton Friends of Quilts of Valour group,” said Wenzel. “They are without question the kindest most generous group of people I have ever had the privilege of working with and it is an honour to represent them.”

The masks are free; however, donations can be made to QoV by contacting Sgt Jean at 613-392-2811 Ext. 4190.