Quilt of Valour Ceremony Honours Veterans at the Kipnes Centre for Veterans

The Great Room in the Kipnes Centre for Veterans saw a packed house with family members and staff congratulating the most recent recipients of Quilts of Valour. The ceremony on Friday April 10 presented quilts to eight resident veterans and marked the last ceremony for the volunteer who made it all possible, Crystal Haché, a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veteran herself.

Crystal standing by a Quilt of Valour.

“There have been over 20,000 Quilt of Valour presentations across Canada, and it’s such a comforting way to be remembered,” says Crystal. “It also helps that the veterans are usually looking for warmth and comfort.”

When Crystal was first posted back to Edmonton in early 2024, she began volunteering at Kipnes. She quickly became involved in assisting with the RCAF centennial celebration, which included a flypast ceremony. She relished having a chance to wear her uniform and connect with Kipnes’s veteran residents.

She soon took the initiative to interview Veterans at Kipnes. Grateful for their service — and their stories— she learned through these interviews that while some residents had already received their Quilt of Valour, she wanted more to enjoy the honour. With the support of the Community Service Coordinator at Kipnes, Crystal began nominating eligible veterans for recognition. Crystal then worked with volunteers from the Quilt of Valour organization to coordinate presenting these quilts.

“Being a veteran myself, I want to let them know they’re not forgotten. Canada doesn’t forget their service. I think it’s so important for these veterans to be valued right until the end, just so they know they’re remembered and loved,” says Crystal.

Crystal alongside Ken, another quilt of valour recipient.

The Quilts of Valour – Canada Society was founded in Edmonton in 2006 as a registered national charity whose mission is to ensure injured Canadian Forces members are recognized for their service and commitment to Canada.

“I try to prioritize elderly recipients and contact their families to make sure they’re available for the ceremony,” says Crystal. “These are beautiful hand-made quilts, and so much goes into them.” 
Crystal has helped over 50 veterans receive quilts since she joined Kipnes.

“Family and friends typically nominate veterans, but sometimes people don’t have anybody, or their families don’t know about the quilts,” says Crystal. “I thought it’d be a great chance to celebrate some of the World War II vets, and Kipnes is the perfect place to hold the ceremony.”

One of the veterans Crystal nominated this year was Jack Manson, a former hockey player who helped Canada win gold at the 1950 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships in London, England. Jack first enlisted with the RCAF as a 17 year old and trained as a pilot before working as an air gunner. He soon reached the rank of sergeant but was too young to be sent overseas. He was discharged in 1945 at the end of World War II. Jack recently celebrated his 100th birthday on March 17, 2026, so his family has had a lot to celebrate over the past month.

Crystal pointing out details on Jack Manson's quilt of valour.

As Crystal transitions to retirement in her home province of Newfoundland, this recent presentation was Crystal’s last large event at Kipnes. Residents spoke about the impact she has had on their lives and gathered to wish her well. Her contributions to Kipnes’s veteran community have created many lasting memories.

Crystal’s initiative to organize the Quilt of Valour ceremonies and nominate recipients is just one example of a volunteer-led event deeply impacting CapitalCare’s community. Crystal’s efforts reflect the theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week, which focuses on igniting volunteerism to build volunteer infrastructure and elevate the role of civic participation. Crystal’s approach demonstrates CapitalCare’s commitment to person-centred care and builds upon the organization's goal to create healthy spaces for CapitalCare residents and clients.

We wish Crystal the best in her retirement and thank her for her service.

This year’s National Volunteer Week runs from Sunday, April 19 to Saturday, April 26. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to celebrate the volunteers who make CapitalCare a vibrant, engaged community. In 2025, volunteers dedicated nearly 54,000 hours to help CapitalCare residents and clients engage in activities they love. And the Quilt of Valour ceremony at the Kipnes Centre for Veterans demonstrates the impact volunteers have on CapitalCare’s community. Visit the volunteer page for more information about becoming a volunteer.