Honouring Nancy Panting's 80th birthday and 25 years of service

Nancy Panting, a beloved member of the Lethbridge congregation, recently celebrated her 80th birthday and was recognized for 25 years of service by Blankets for Canada, the non-profit she and her late husband, Stuart, founded in 1998. Friends from the congregation gathered to celebrate Nancy’s birthday and her years of dedication.

Blankets for Canada (www.blankets4canada.ca) is a non-denominational organization with a mission to support agencies across Canada that serve those without shelter, providing warmth and comfort. Nancy’s journey began in 1998 after visiting her sister in Missouri, where she learned of a project called Warm-Up for America. Inspired, she returned home and began crocheting blankets for those in need. With the dedication of Nancy and Stuart, Blankets for Canada soon expanded across the country, with chapters in every province. Volunteers from coast to coast create beautiful, handmade blankets, which are given to local organizations supporting people in need of warmth and shelter.
​
Even after Stuart’s passing, Nancy continued her service as President of the Board until recently stepping down for health reasons. Nevertheless, she remains active, knitting and crocheting colourful, cozy blankets that bring warmth and kindness to those who need it most. (As you can see in the photo, she received a huge stack of multi-colored yarn as a birthday gift, sure to keep her busy for months to come!)