And others now know just how hardworking they are.
The women of the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Care Auxiliary were recently honoured with a national award, the Canadian Association Recognition of Excellence award from the Canadian Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries.
They had made 80 quilts for the centre's residents for the Christmas 2010 project.
"It was a huge effort, and as I understand it, one of the ladies actually liked quilting, and she spearheaded the effort," said Karen McGrath, CEO of Central Health. "Everyone became involved and did what they could."
The group told the Newfoundland and Labrador branch of the Auxiliaries Association about the quilt project, explained Ms. McGrath. Then they were nominated by the provincial branch to the national association; they later found out they had won the award.
Auxiliary president Christina Luscombe and vice-president Gloria Roberts went to Edmonton to accept the honour.
"It's not only the quilts these auxiliarians do, and I think everyone knows they are magnificent," said Ms. McGrath. "They are involved in fundraising activities, teas, special activities for the residents and they really don't stop a lot. They are really one of the most vibrant auxiliaries we have in central Newfoundland."
Dave Denine, the Minister for the Voluntary and Non-Profit Sector, attended the award presentation at the centre Friday afternoon.
"I can't tell you how proud and pleased we are, (Exploits MHA) Clayton Forsey and I are when we heard about this," she said. "What a nice thing to give someone, something to keep them cozy, warm and comfortable. That was a tremendous task."
The actual idea for the quilts came from Ms. Luscombe, who said to members that she thought it was a good idea to make them for the residents.
"It was a labour of love," she said. "And not everyone is a quilter, but they all helped in some way or another, whether helping to buy the fabric, pin, or whatever."
