My platform: Quilts Of Valour Canada
From Pain to Purpose: Why I Chose Quilts of Valour as my platform.
Just as a flower blooms from a carefully nurtured seed, my platform—Quilting—is blossoming into a heartfelt way I can show gratitude to others.
What is beginning as a personal journey has become a way for me to celebrate my creativity is transforming into a way I can give back to a community that has shaped me.
As a military child, I've carried complicated emotions about my upbringing—especially around the impact combat trauma and physical strain had on my father's physical and mental health.
My quilting journey began long after my father received his own Quilt of Valour in 2019, following 35 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces. At the time, I didn’t yet grasp the full significance of that quilt. As described on the
When I started quilting in August 2024, something within me began to shift. Creating with my hands—stitch by stitch—gave me a lot of time to reflect time to think and self-reflect. Sewing became a way to connect with the love I have for others and has lead to healing, and to transforming my pain into purpose.
I began to understand the meaning behind every stitch, ironing every piece of the quilt takes a time effort and attention. Quilting reminds me to slow down but I always have the end goal of making comforting art as a result.
Thought I haven't yet began making a quilt of Valour myself. As, I am expanding my sewing skills and techniques so my work reflects the quality standards for an approved quilt of Valour.
For me, sewing has become a way to provide tangible comfort to Others and Quilts of valour provides that tangible comfort to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our communities through their service. Through my intention to create quilts of Valour, I’ve found a meaningful a way to embrace my military roots with both pride and gratitude—stitching beauty from ashes and transforming the weight of the past into something warm and comforting.
A Legacy That Blooms Beyond the Stage:
Quilts has empowered me to infuse my creativity into something far greater than myself. With every item I help create, I hope to plant a seed of comfort and connection with others.
The local quilting community in the Ottawa Valley is one that has welcomed me with kindness, the quilters in my community As quilting has inspired me to connect with others. My goal is to inspire others to bloom in their own unique ways—to create a legacy that extends far beyond the pageant stage.
Because when we use our gifts to uplift others, we don't just create—WE BLOOM and plant more seeds of kindness and connection in our communities.
