Crafted for Courage, a Nota Bene Foundation initiative, weaves hope and resilience into every stitch, raising awareness about violence against women through a powerful public art installation. Through the display of handmade blankets, the project tells a collective story of support and empowerment, symbolizing the strength of survivors and the compassion of those who stand with them.
Visitors are invited to contribute by making a donation for a blanket, with proceeds directed to local women’s shelters. Each blanket serves as a statement of solidarity, a token of hope, and a step toward creating a future rooted in care and community.
Create 50 x 50 cm square using any yarn, colour, or design. Each square symbolizes a personal and collective statement of unity, solidarity and support for those affected by violence.
The collected squares will be grouped into sets of nine and stitched together to create blankets, which will be displayed at the event. Volunteers were invited to assist in assembling the squares! Assembly dates for the 2026 edition of Crafted for Courage will be announced shortly.
Help make the event a success by volunteering at the event. Roles include event setup, welcoming guests, coordinating blanket displays, and after event wrap-up.
On Saturday, May 10th 2025, Crafted for Courage transformed the lobby of Place Ville Marie into a tapestry of hope. 334 blankets, made from over 5,000 donated squares, were displayed as symbols of resilience and solidarity with survivors of violence against women.
Over 300 visitors attended, and the event featured remarks from Amy Kaufman, Crafted for Courage project ambassador, along with representatives from Chez Doris and Fondation Chaînon.
Thanks to generous contributions, the event raised over $70,000 to support four local shelters: Auberge Shalom pour femmes, Chez Doris, Fondation Chaînon, and The Native Women’s Shelter of Montréal, helping to build a future rooted in care and community.
A big thank you to all of the volunteers who shared their talent and vision and helped transform Place Ville Marie into a breathtaking art installation!
Crafted for Courage doesn’t end here! Stay connected by following us on Facebook, Instagram or subscribing to our newsletter. We will be releasing information soon on Crafted for Courage 2026.
Share this initiative on social media or with your knitting or crochet group.
The Crafted for Courage project is more than just creating blankets; it’s about raising awareness and providing support to women who have experienced violence. Your involvement can make a real difference. Whether you’re knitting a square, making a donation, or simply spreading the word, every contribution counts.
Your generosity helps us support women’s shelters and raise awareness, bringing hope and healing to survivors of violence.