The Orchard Valley Quilters Guild Quilts for Families Who Lost Homes in the McDougall Creek Wildfire

In the South Atrium

Quilts for Families Who Lost Homes in the McDougall Creek Wildfire

Artist Statement

The 2023 McDougall Creek Wildfire started 10 kilometres north of West Kelowna on August 15 and on August 17 the wildfire jumped over Okanagan Lake sparking new wildfires north of Kelowna and in Lake Country. The fire was eventually controlled through the valiant efforts of BC Wildfire Service along with more than 500 firefighters from communities around BC and the US and the RCMP who putting themselves in harm's way to protect our communities. There was an legion of people battling the wildfire and an legion of people who assisted the over 35,000 evacuees. Everyone in the Okanagan was affected by the McDougall Creek Wildfire.

Our hearts go out to those who lost their homes in the fire, especially the 14 members Wilson's Landing Fire Department who lost their homes while fighting the blaze.  The Orchard Valley Quilters Guild made these quilts for families who lost their homes. The quilts express our sorrow for your loss and our best wishes for the future as you re-build and restore your homes.  

Artist Biography

Orchard Valley Quilters Guild, founded in 1982, offers a place and time for the exchange of creative ideas, the fostering of friendships and the camaraderie found in the practice of diverse quilting techniques. Guild members strive to improve their skills and share them with one another and the next generation of quilters, and to give back to their community by providing quilts that offer comfort to those in need. The OVQG supports traditional quilting, art quilts, fiber art and quilts made with hand embroidery and applique.

For more information see our website www.kelownaquilts.com; Kelownaquilts on Facebook or @kelownaquilts on Instagram. OVQG is supported in part by the City of Kelowna Arts and Culture Grants program.

This project has been funded in part by the City of Kelowna.