Community Outreach
Smile Quilts
Since December 2001, the Waterloo County Quilters' Guild has proudly donated quilts to various paediatric clinics at Grand River Hospital, including children’s oncology, inpatient and outpatient services including trauma and diabetes, and most recently, children and adolescent inpatient psychiatry. These quilts offer comfort to children and youth with chronic and terminal medical conditions, and other serious illnesses.
In 2024, over 100 quilts have been donated. Since Rosemary P started the program in 2001, WCQG has delivered 4,610 quilts to the hospital, 3,110 of these since 2012.
This is a Waterloo County Quilters’ Guild sponsored outreach project.
Smile Quilt Committee: Peggy H, Helene D (Co-Chairs), Bonnie M, Emily H
The Impact of Smile Quilts
The children, their families, and the paediatric staff at Grand River Hospital deeply appreciate the warmth and care that our Smile Quilts bring. These quilts serve as a comforting companion during challenging times, reminding young patients that they are cared for and supported by our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the quilters who have contributed to this meaningful project.
Whether you're quilting tops, piecing together fabrics, or donating materials, there are many ways to get involved. Please note that we do not accept quilt tops alone; if you have a quilt top you'd like to donate, please arrange for it to be quilted. Together, we can continue to bring smiles to children who need them most.
Since the beginning of this outreach we have donated many thousands of quilts to the Smile Quilt project! Let’s keep this momentum going—stay tuned for information on our next Smile Quilt Bee Day.
Smile Quilt Guidelines
Smile Quilt Guidelines
March 2025: The recent request has been for medium or larger quilts in masculine or gender neutral designs/colours. At this point in time, there is a good supply of small quilts.
To ensure that our quilts are both comforting and practical, please follow these guidelines:
Suggested Sizes
We accept quilts from 36" x 36" up to 52" x 72" as we offer quilts to a wide variety of ages.
These are approximate sizes as sometimes we do require slightly wider quilts for teenagers.
Fabric: Use new, pre-washed, good quality fabric, such as cotton, cotton blends, or broadcloth with child or teen friendly designs.
Backing: Choose flannelette or fleece for the backing to add warmth.
Batting: Polyester or 80/20 Poly Cotton batting is preferred. 80/20 Batting is available through the guild for Smile quilts.
Quilting: You may use machine or hand-quilting, but please avoid knotted quilting.
Donations of Supplies: If you are clearing your stash we do welcome donations of suitable fabric.
Design Ideas
Theme quilts are especially popular. Consider using fabric with images of hockey, soccer, baseball, dinosaurs, cars, wolves, horses, airplanes, dogs, cats, or unicorns. Quilts in shades of the same colour, such as blue, purple, pink, or green, are also wonderful. Bright, cheerful colours are encouraged—let your imagination soar!
Labelling
Please sign the quilt. This personal touch allows the recipient’s family to connect with the “stranger” who cared enough to make their child’s day a little brighter.
Labels are available through the Guild.
Smile Quilts
Waterloo County Quilters' Guild
PO. Box 38044
Bridgeport Post Office
Waterloo, ON N2J 4T9
Made By [Your Name & Year]
Drop Off
Completed quilts can be delivered to a Smile committee member at gatherings.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be contributing a quilt that not only provides warmth but also brings joy and comfort to a child in need. Thank you for being part of the Smile Quilt project.