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Local veterans get quilts of valour

Columbia Valley Pioneer - 8/28/2020

Earlier this month two local veterans were honoured with quilts presented by the nonprofit group Quilts of Valour Canada.

The group's East and West Kootenay volunteer representative Cindy Postnikoff travelled from her home in Kimberley to Invermere in order to present handmade quilts to retired Sergeant Randy Kruger, who spent 37 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and his wife, retired Master Corporal Vicky Kruger, who spent 25 years in the RCAF).

"It was an absolute honour to wrap these two service people in Quilts of Valour. It is our hope that they will feel the hugs that were stitched into the quilts when they need it the most," said Postnikoff.

Quilts of Valour Canada is a nonprofit organization with a mission to acknowledge and support injured Canadian forces member past and present, by presenting them with homemade quilts made by volunteers. The organization has distributed 15,079 quilts since it was founded in 2016.

"The reactions (of veterans) are varied. Sometimes there are tears, sometimes there are smiles. But they are always grateful," Postnikoff told the Pioneer. "I am always honoured to present them. It is so meaningful for the veterans."

The quilts are usually made by local quilt guilds, often in the communities where the veterans live, said Postnikoff, adding that the Invermere Quilt Guild has been very helpful.

The Krugers were "really grateful, surprised at the high quality of the quilts and very happy to be acknowledged," reported Postnikoff.

Postnikoff decided to get involved with the Quilts of Valour after her son, who is a veteran, was presented with a quilt by the group.

"It was a big deal for him…he carries it (the quilt) in his truck. He knows there's a hug in there whenever he needs it," said Postnikoff.

Postnikoff asks that if anyone in the area knows of a veteran who deserves a quilt, to contact her to discuss the criteria for a presentation at cindy.postnikoff@quiltsofvalour.ca or by calling 250 919-3137.

Photo by Cindy Postnikoff