Blankets of Love Foundation for Mental Health

The Blankets of Love Foundation for Mental Health is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comfort and support to individuals hospitalized for mental health challenges through the gift of handmade quilts. Established in 1996 by nurse Sheila Ethier, the foundation was inspired by her personal experience of receiving a quilt made by her grandmother during her own psychiatric hospital stay, which brought her comfort and peace during a difficult time. This experience led her to create a program that distributes quilts to mental health inpatients across Canada, aiming to offer tangible warmth and kindness to people who often receive little else during their hospital stays[2][4].

Mission and Activities

The foundation's mission centers on securing and distributing quilts regularly to patients at hospitals across Canada who are undergoing treatment for mental illness. Many of these patients often feel isolated and receive few personal gifts such as cards or flowers, making the quilts a meaningful symbol of care and community support. Quilts provided by the foundation are handmade by volunteers and quilters from various quilting clubs and guilds throughout the country, who contribute their time and skill to craft these comforting items. The program not only helps patients but also offers a creative outlet for volunteers, fostering a sense of connection and purpose[1][2][3][4].

Impact and Reach

Since its inception, the Blankets of Love Foundation has seen exponential growth, with thousands of quilts distributed to mental health patients nationwide. The program has expanded to include partnerships with hospitals and quilting groups in multiple provinces, including initiatives led by organizations such as the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. The foundation's efforts have been recognized and covered by various media outlets including Global News, CTV News, CBC, and the Edmonton Journal, highlighting the positive impact of providing warmth and comfort to vulnerable populations[1][2][4].

Community and Support

The foundation encourages donations and volunteer participation to sustain and grow its outreach. Financial contributions assist in building partnerships with hospitals and expanding volunteer engagement, ensuring that more individuals facing mental illness receive a 'Blanket of Love' during their recovery journey. Recipients of the quilts have shared heartfelt testimonials about the comfort and hope the blankets provide during times of emotional distress[3][4].

Registration and Legal Status

The Blankets of Love Foundation for Mental Health is a registered charity in Canada, with the business registration number 846381549RR0001. It complies with the Canada Revenue Agency's regulations and holds charitable status, enabling it to issue tax receipts for donations and operate as a recognized nonprofit entity dedicated to mental health support through its quilting program[4].

This summary reflects the foundation’s commitment to mental health care through compassionate community support, emphasizing the healing power of handmade quilts to provide warmth and hope to those in need.