Helping and supporting abused children and youth is paramount for Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, even beyond its doors.
That's why the centre gives each of its young clients a handmade quilt to comfort them, which is also a symbol of the wraparound service offered by the non-profit organization.
The tradition started on Dec. 14, 2017 when the centre first opened, and since then about 400 quilts have been given out annually.
CEO Mark Jones said the young clients are wrapped in a quilt when they complete their forensic interview which provides information that may be used later in court.
"We do that to let them know they're part of our family and whatever they need, we'll see it through," said Jones, adding quilts are also given out the siblings of clients who come to the centre.
The quilts are stored in a dedicated quilt room at the centre located in the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence on the campus of Red Deer Polytechnic. As of the end of May, there were enough of the quilts stacked on shelves to last about five months.
He said only once did the centre almost run out of quilts and a Walmart run was imminent. But once quilting groups heard about the shortage they got to work and delivered 100 quilts the next week.
On average, each quilt takes 15 to 25 hours to make, so it takes about 8,000 hours of volunteer work each year to maintain the centre's quilt supply.
About five quilting groups contribute regularly, as well as four individuals. One group from the Red Deer area has already donated more than 700 quilts.
"We have one little girl that quilts with her mom."
Quilters are from as far away as Kenora, Ont. to Comox B.C., even North Dakota, and everywhere in between. Designs vary and often include cartoon-themes for younger clients. Seven First Nations are located in Central Alberta and quilts are specifically made for Indigenous clients.
Anyone interested in making and donating quilts can call the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre for more information.
Jones said the centre has also received handmade dolls, toques, and wheat-filled warming bags, that often include messages of hope and encouragement for clients.
"They're just very thoughtfully done, all of them."
Jones said since moving into the new Sheldon Kennedy building, more people are aware of the centre's services and they are reaching out.
"I don't think the incidence of child abuse is necessarily increasing. I think what's happening is the reporting is increasing. More people understand there's a place where they can go."
Between 2020 and 2023, the centre served 2,769 children and youth who collectively experienced 3,098 cases of reported abuse at the hands of 2,511 accused perpetrators.
Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre brings together staff from agencies, such as the RCMP, family services, mental health, addictions programs and the Crown prosecutor’s office to work with children and their families. The goal is to avoid duplication, service gaps and reduce the number of times children have to be interviewed.
