All wrapped up in a good deed

Kim Boisson, left, gets wrapped in a quilt by Brenda Coulombe. Both are members of the High Prairie Quilt Guild, who make quilts for the High Prairie area’s cancer patients.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

No one appreciates the loving care High Prairie Quilt Guild members put into each quilt more than High Prairie’s Marilyn Kocon. Kocon, who is battling cancer, received one of the guild’s quilts a few months ago and loves it. “It’s just nice to know there are people out there who care that much,” says Kocon. “I really enjoy it. It’s just the right size and it keeps me warm.” Guild members appreciate compliments such as Kocon’s and are set to band together Jan. 12 in a Quilt ‘Til You Wilt day at the United Church hall. “If you can sew, cook, sweep or iron the High Prairie Quilt Guild needs you,” says member Brenda Coulombe. “We’ll take you all day or any part of the day you are able to donate your time. If you can’t help that day but still want to participate send food for our sewers. Help keep their energy up! Our goal is to sew 20 comfort quilts in one day.” Guild members have been making quilts for some time. Coulombe says it was Kim Boisson’s idea to make quilts for cancer patients. “Boisson thought the guild members could put their talents together and create a comfort quilt for the patient to take with them when they are going for treatment,” says Coulombe. “(Kim) brought the idea to the guild members. It was unanimously agreed we would undertake this project.” Since last July the guild has created and donated 13 quilts, including Kocon’s. Some of the quilts were made and donated by individual members, others made with material from the guild, others sewn when a few guild members got together. Each quilt is made with positive energy from the members. Coulombe and Boisson both agree no one is allowed to work on any quit unless they have “positive energy” flowing that day to ensure each quilt is made with loving care. “A comfort quilt is created with love and prayers by people who care,” says Coulombe, whose mother, Donna Smith, passed away from cancer. Each quilt is big enough to wrap in during treatment and backed with a warm flannel. They come in a bag for easy transport to and from the hospital. Boisson says the demand for quilts is evident and they always seem to be behind. “It is unfortunate we had to find out our community has a huge need for our quilts,” says Boisson. “We are hoping the 20 quilts we make will sit and gather dust because no one will need them.” To meet the demand, the guild decided to hold Quilt ‘Til You Wilt. “Sadly, there are people we haven’t been able to give a quilt to due to time,” says Boisson. Quilt ‘Til You Wilt should solve the problem. The United Church has generously donated the cost of the hall and asked the guild put the money towards the cost of the material. Anyone wanting to help is invited to attend. “The guild members will start sewing at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12,” says Coulombe. “We need to keep the sewers in their chairs at their machines, but they need to be fed. If anyone out there is willing to bring food, cook, bring water, Pepsi, or coffee the members promise only to take a short break to gain energy and then back to sewing.” Even people who iron are needed. “Great, we need you!” says Coulombe. “Come and spend some time with us! We can’t do it alone, so show your High Prairie spirit!” In the past, the guild has sewn preemie baby blankets for babies born prematurely, as well as lap quilts for the seniors at Pleasantview Lodge. If you’re interesting in helping, contact Boisson at 523-3534 so she can organize for the day. If you need a quilt, contact Boisson by mail at the High Prairie Quilt Guild, Box 1981, High Prairie, T0G 1E0. “We do not guarantee that everyone who asks will get a quilt but we will do our best,” says Boisson. “Family, friends, doctors can request a quilt for a person who is coping with cancer.” Each quilt is given anonymously if the recipient desires. Guild members respect wholeheartedly each cancer patient’s right to privacy in their difficult time dealing with the disease.

Fast start propels Raiders to win over crosstown rival Saints

Prairie River’s Amadeus Giroux, in front, dribbles past St. Andrew’s Saint Justin Monahan.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

The Prairie River Raiders jumped out to a quick lead and never trailed in winning their season opener 51-39 over their crosstown rivals, the St. Andrew’s Saints. The game marked the first boy’s action in Smoky River Junior High School Basketball League action this season. PRJH led 19-8 after the first quarter. They used their speed and a lack of effort defensively at the St. Andrew’s end of the court in bolting out to a big lead. However, as the game wore on the Saints started to adjust. The bottom line was, for the last three quarters the teams were only one point apart. Nathan Lang-Oke- maw led all scorers with 19 points while Amadaus Giroux chipped in with 16 points of his own. Offensively, they did most of the damage. Jarett Abram and Zach Auger each had six points while Harold Johnson and Colin Bjornson netted two points each. Jared Dumont scored a team high 15 points for the Saints. The rest of the scoring was spread out between four players. Zak Stokes had nine points, Justin Monahan eight, Mike Ochran four and Josh Perry three points. Both teams head into the Christmas break and will not resume action until Jan. 9. The Raiders travel to McLennan to play the Eagles while the Saints play their home opener against Valleyview St. Stephen’s School.

Copyright © 1999-2005 South Peace News. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster