Quilting for a Cause | Salvation Army Thrift Store

Sewing is more than a creative hobby for Shift Supervisor Bonnie Richards‑Hiscock, it’s a rewarding way to give back to her community.

Since joining The Salvation Army Strawberry Hill Thrift Store in Halifax in December 2022, Bonnie has been handcrafting ornaments to raise funds for our GoodWorks@Work campaigns.

She started by creating quilted hearts, selling them for a $5 donation during The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign. Bonnie has since expanded her efforts in support of The Salvation Army Thrift Store GoodWorks@Work Send a Kid to Camp campaign.

“I enjoy sewing,” Bonnie says. “It gives me a purpose when I get home, and it’s a good excuse to use up some of the fabric I’ve collected over the years.”

A Tradition That Makes a Difference

What began as a simple idea has since grown into a beloved tradition among store guests, raising hundreds of dollars for the Kettle Campaign and giving children the chance to attend a Salvation Army summer camp.

Guests have responded enthusiastically, often returning to collect the latest design. Overall, the ornaments have brought in more than $1,400 toward the two campaigns.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how well we do for this year’s Send a Kid to Camp. We’re asking people for donations, and not everyone has extra to spare,” she explains. “I thought, why not give them something in return—something made with care?”

Bonnie stitches new Send a Kid to Camp designs every year, which have included log cabins inspired by the outdoors and, this year, colourful quilted kites.

She says many guests choose to donate without taking an ornament home, helping to raise even more funds. All proceeds stay within the local Halifax community, providing a magical summer camp experience for local children.

Sending Kids to Camp, One Stitch at a Time

“There are lots of kids who don’t get many opportunities,” Bonnie says. “Camp gives them a chance to learn new things, meet new people, and just be kids.”

Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Strawberry Hill Store Manager Jenny Haley says the ornaments inspire generosity and a sense of connection among guests.

“They’re very appreciative of the time and effort Bonnie puts into each ornament,” she says. “They’re very, very cute, with all the stitching and details.”

For Bonnie, the chance to bring joy, lasting memories, and excitement to a young person’s life is what matters most.

“If I can help send even one kid to camp, it’s worth it,” she says. “It just makes me feel good.”

Thanks, Bonnie, for going above and beyond to help children experience the magic of summer camp in Halifax. Donate to the GoodWorks@Work Send a Kid to Camp campaign at your nearest Salvation Army Thrift Store today!