One local business has taken up the call to help out those journeying through cancer treatments.

Joy of Quilting, a store in High River, is taking over some of the long arm quilting responsibilities for the volunteer organization Victoria's Quilts, which provides handmade quilts to those living with cancer at High River Hospital's Cancer Centre.

Owner Tracey Aubin says since she already has the required quilting machine in-store, it was a no-brainer for her to jump right in.

"I feel it's important as a long-arm quilter to quilt for a charity and there are so many worthwhile causes out there, that provide quilts for people but Victoria's Quilts is very close to my heart."

"My Grandmother suffered through cancer several times, and I've had other close relatives who have passed away from cancer, so I know how daunting and trying that journey of treatment can be," Aubin says.

She says the quilt is so much more to those patients than something to keep them warm through chemotherapy.

"A quilt not only provides warmth, but it lets you know that people you might never meet are thinking about you and that you're not alone on that journey."

She's joining another High River resident who has done the long-arm quilting for the organization since 2014, Gord McSwain.

McSwain is 83 years old and currently in the process of completing his 700th Victoria's Quilt.

Victoria's Quilts accepts fabric and cash donations to further their cause.

They provide quilts to those undergoing chemotherapy across the Province.

Joy of Quilting in High River has committed to spending about 4 hours a week for Victoria's Quilts and it also caters to hobby quilters in the area looking for a long arm quilter, as well as providing fabrics and other sewing or hobby materials. 

 

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