A local quilting initiative that started with an idea to help displaced Ukrainians in Victoria has resulted in a grand total of $18,759.00 raised to fund the exploration of a pilot program that could create long-term housing solutions for newly arrived Ukrainians.
At the beginning of summer, Don Ross, Angie Chan, Pat Montgomery and Helen Van Alstine partnered with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) to find ways to support the settlement of Ukrainian Nationals seeking temporary residency in the Victoria region. The resulting ‘Patchwork of the Heart’ quilt was the cumulation of six weeks of hard work and weaves in the Ukrainian flag and flower.
“It started with one idea, and four people,” says Winnie Lee, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the ICA. “We are pleased to announce that the money raised will contribute to seed funding for a new program designed to address one of the most pressing needs for new immigrants– housing.”
Coincidentally, one of the members of the quilting group won the raffle draw for the grand prize. Don Ross was the lucky winner of the ‘Patchwork of the Heart’ quilt but elected to donate the quilt to the Ukrainian Cultural Centre.
“This group of residents brought our community closer together by sharing ideas and passions to support a greater purpose, and we are so proud of their achievements,” says Adena Waffle, Interim Senior Vice President of Tapestry.
To learn more about the ICA’s services, please visit www.icavictoria.org/ukrainian-response/.
About Tapestry by Concert
Tapestry at Victoria Harbour offers independent adults unlimited opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and improve their physical, mental and social well-being. Tapestry at Victoria Harbour is one of four Tapestry communities in Canada, with other communities located in Vancouver, BC and Etobicoke, Ontario. Tapestry is owned and operated by Concert, a real estate corporation wholly owned by union and management pension plans representing over 200,000 Canadians. Concert’s portfolio includes condominiums, rentals, seniors’ active aging communities, industrial and commercial properties, and public infrastructure projects across Canada.
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Kathryn Wu