Quilts for Survivors is a registered non-profit founded by Vanessa Genier, an Indigenous mother from Missanabie First Nation, Ontario. It unites volunteer quilters nationwide to gift full-sized quilts to Residential School survivors, symbolizing support, respect, and love. Supported by generous donations, the initiative began as a Facebook group inviting quilters to honor survivors and the children returning to their Nations across Turtle Island.

Anyone affected by the Residential School System, Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, or other traumas—whether a Survivor, a friend, or a family member—can request a quilt for a Survivor. For more details, visit the “Request a Quilt” tab.

The average wait time for quilt requests is typically 11-12 months. However, as of January 2025, it has increased to approximately 13 months due to the Canada Post strike. We are working diligently to ensure quilts are sent out as quickly as possible. When you’re near the top of the list, you’ll receive an email to confirm your shipping address; unconfirmed addresses will delay shipping.
Check your status or update your address here.

We accept 100% cotton quilting fabric 

We would also like to remind everyone that while we deeply appreciate the generosity of those who want to contribute to our mission, we only accept 100% cotton quilting fabric for donations. This ensures that all quilts meet our quality standards and are durable, comfortable, and consistent.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept other types of fabric, such as polyester, fleece, or blends. Thank you for understanding and supporting our efforts to provide high-quality quilts to Survivors.

Our main block size is 16.5 inches square. However, we also accept other sizes, including 12.5 inches, 10 inches, and more.

Please avoid using fabrics that may be triggering or offensive, including:
-Religious symbols (e.g., crosses, churches)
-School-related themes (e.g., alphabet, rules, paper)
-Travel motifs (e.g., planes, trains, cars)
-Graphic content (e.g., weapons, foul language, drugs)
-Gang-related designs (e.g., bandanas)
If unsure, email us a picture and description at admin@quiltsforsurvivors.ca.

Quilt tops should ideally measure 48 inches x 64 inches or lap size. Completed quilts are welcome in any size.

Please send all donations directly to
Quilts for Survivors at 58 Legion Dr, South Porcupine, ON P0N 1H0, Canada.
Completed quilts may also be sent directly to a survivor. For assistance, please email us at admin@quiltsforsurvivors.ca.

Email admin@quiltsforsurvivors.ca to receive the required items for each quilt, including a letter, poem, and label. You may include a personal note or card, and your own label (but it cannot replace our label, which must not be altered or written on). 

Addresses are only provided via email and should only be requested when the quilt can be sent within 2-3 business days. Preprinted labels must be attached before requesting an address. While we strive to accommodate specific delivery locations, we may not always be able to meet your preferences.

Yes! We are accepting monetary donations, supplies, and more. Please see the Contributions tab, and connect with us to find out the next steps at admin@quiltsforsurvivors.ca

We offer quilting classes over Zoom on the third Sunday of each month – September to June. We will be working on one to two blocks each class. You are required to have all your fabric cut and ready to go prior to class. You must purchase your own fabric. To register please click here.

There is no charge for the classes we do ask for a minimum donation of $5.00 per class. You can E-transfer to vanessa@quiltsforsurvivors.ca or send a cheque to Quilts for Survivors at the address listed below.

Personal classes are available by request only please sign up here

To volunteer at the studio please check our studio schedule and come in during open hours. 
You will need to fill out the waiver and sign it prior to volunteering. 
The Studio is a Drug and Alcohol Free space, We ask that you respect that when volunteering. 
For any other questions or to take a studio tour please email our studio manager 

We ask that binding is 2.5 inches wide, attached on the diagonal. 
It can be scrappy or solid colours. 
Binding For Quilt Canada 2025 can be mailed in APRIL of 2025. 
Please ensure you have the length written and attached to the binding.

To request labels, please provide:
Your full name
Your shipping address
The number of labels needed

For physical labels, a $5 shipping fee applies. Send the fee via EMT to vanessa@quiltsforsurvivors.ca.
Digital labels are also available—let us know if you’d prefer a file to print and attach.

Once the label is sewn onto the quilt, email a photo of the finished quilt and confirmation of the attached label to admin@quiltsforsurvivors.ca. We will then provide the recipient’s name, address, and a letter and poem to include with the quilt.