“These blankets are like teddy bears — they say, ‘We hear you. You’re not alone. Sometimes, that’s exactly what someone needs to feel.” 

That’s according to Gail Anders, founder of Squares of Hope, an initiative that has been quietly transforming care across the region through donations of handmade blankets created by volunteers.

It is now reaching patients in Niagara Health’s Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) program, thanks to a donation of 12 blankets.

For patients undergoing ECT, moments of reassurance can make a meaningful difference. ECT is a specialized, evidence-based treatment for severe mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, catatonia, psychosis and severe depression. Delivered under anesthesia with muscle relaxants, the procedure typically lasts five to 10 minutes, followed by a recovery period of approximately two hours. While it is highly clinical, the experience can still feel daunting.

That’s where Squares of Hope comes in.

Volunteers knit or crochet colourful squares, which are then crocheted together to create handmade blankets. Each blanket is marked with a small red heart and is designed to provide warmth, comfort and emotional support. Each handmade blanket, stitched together from colourful squares and marked with a small red heart, is designed to provide warmth, comfort and emotional support.

“These blankets will help ease anxiety and offer a sense of care during a vulnerable time,” says Janet Battiston, Charge Nurse Coordinator for the ECT program at Niagara Health’s Marotta Family Hospital.

“It’s a really special addition to the care we provide.” Battiston, who helped establish the local ECT program in 2014 so patients no longer needed to travel outside Niagara, says the donation also helps address lingering stigma around mental health treatment."

"This donation brings awareness to the program and the patients we serve,” she says. “And the best part is that these blankets will bring smiles and positive feelings to our patients.

For Anders, the decision to support the ECT program is deeply personal.

“My mother struggled with mental health issues for most of her life,” she says. “Back then, people didn’t talk about it. My mother would say, ‘it’s just my nerves,’ and went from doctor to doctor without clear answers."

That experience stayed with Anders for decades. When she learned about the ECT program and the care being provided, it resonated immediately.

“I asked questions about what they do, and I just felt this warmth in my heart,” she says. “I knew I wanted to do something to support that work.” Squares of Hope began with a single act of kindness in 2019, when a close friend of Anders was waiting for a heart transplant. To help pass the time and ease stress, Anders suggested they knit a blanket together — square by square.

“She started choosing colours and planning out patterns, and it took her mind off things,” Anders recalls. “At the time, we didn’t know if she would survive.”

The quilt became both a comfort and a legacy. Her friend completed it, gifted it to her children — and ultimately survived.

Soon after, Anders felt compelled to expand the idea. “In early 2020, I had this feeling that we should be making blankets for others going through hard times,” she says.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the initiative quickly grew. Volunteers began crocheting squares and giving them to Gail through porch drop-offs at her house. Five years later, Squares of Hope has delivered approximately 750 blankets to healthcare and community organizations across Niagara.

Today, the program is powered by a dedicated and growing network of volunteers. The Squares of Hope Program is referred to as the Yarn Lovers Drop-In by St. Catharines Parks and Recreation. They meet every Thursday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the West St. Catharines Older Adult Centre, bringing together about a dozen regular participants. An additional 20 to 25 contributors support the effort by dropping off handmade squares at collection points or directly to Anders.

Drop boxes at the Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre and West St. Catharines Older Adult Centre make it easy for community members to get involved.

“I’ve had people come from as far as Tillsonburg to contribute,” Anders says. “It’s become a true community initiative.”

Each blanket is carefully assembled by a small group of volunteers, washed and personally delivered by Anders.

Over the past five years, Squares of Hope blankets have reached a wide range of programs, including the Marotta Family Hospital Kidney Dialysis Unit, Wellspring Cancer Support Services, Community Support Services of Niagara, Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre and Gillian’s Place.

It’s been an incredible journey,” Anders reflects. “I’m sad that people have to go through these difficult challenges, but if someone can wrap themselves in something soft, something warm, and feel even a little less alone, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”

Handmade blanket donation keeps 30 Hemodialysis patients warm   

The Welland Hemodialysis Unit has received an unexpected and welcome delivery — 30 handmade lap blankets created specifically for patients undergoing dialysis treatments.  

The project began when Annie Ferguson from the Welland Public Library connected with Lesley Arsenault, Manager of the Welland Hemodialysis Unit, to coordinate the donation. Community members donated hand-quilted squares to the library, and volunteer Heather Marchand took on the task of assembling and knitting the squares together into finished blankets. 

For patients on hemodialysis, feeling cold during treatment is a familiar issue as their body temperature often drops. Having a dedicated lap blanket provides comfort during these sessions.  

The blankets were delivered to the unit on Monday, April 20, and distribution is underway, with priority given to patients with the greatest need. It’s a simple and impactful gesture made possible through coordination, volunteer time and community effort.