Handmade blankets covered Montreal esplanade in support of women affected by violence
Posted May 12, 2025 4:56 pm.
Last Updated May 12, 2025 6:06 pm.
More than 300 handmade blankets covered Esplanade Place Ville Marie in downtown Montreal on Saturday, creating a powerful and emotional display to support women affected by violence.
The public art installation, called “Crafted for Courage,” was organized by the Nota Bene Foundation. It brought together knitters and crocheters from across Canada, who created thousands of individual squares that were sewn into blankets.
“It feels absolutely incredible to see all of the beautiful work and really art that all of these people have come together to support our project,” said volunteer Elizabeth Pecoraro, who helped lead communications and logistics for the event.
“But even more importantly, the women who have experienced violence — to say that violence is wrong and that they shouldn’t have experienced this and that we stand with them.”
It was a tapestry of solidarity as the handmade blankets helped tell a story of support and empowerment, symbolizing the strength of survivors and the compassion of those who stand with them.
Visitors could take home a blanket in exchange for a donation. All funds raised from the event will go directly to support four Montreal women’s shelters: Auberge Shalom, Chez Doris, Foundation Chaînon, and the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.
“These pieces of art have come from not only throughout the province, but throughout the entire country,” Pecoraro added.
“It’s incredible to see how this initiative has taken off, and we are so grateful to the volunteers who knitted and crocheted squares, as well as assembled the blankets. We’re also thankful to the four organizations that are doing life-changing work every day to help the women who have experienced violence and assist them in getting back on their feet and starting a new life.”
The event officially opened at 9 a.m. on May 10 and ran all day at Place Ville Marie, turning the downtown plaza into a colourful patchwork of care and compassion.
Matteo Rosi, another volunteer, was struck by the beauty and emotion of the display.
“Place Ville Marie with the covers is really special. The colours are phenomenal, and you really appreciate the work that went into the display. It’s quite emotional,” he said.
For project organizer Nori Bortoluzzi, the installation was the result of hard work and dedication from volunteers.
“It’s incredible. It’s an unbelievable feeling,” she said. “The volunteers have been amazing, and I felt supported the entire way.”
She said the team hoped for about 5,000 squares but likely received double that.
“Absolutely. And actually, I would say we’ve reached (our goal) and have gone beyond,” she said.
Bortoluzzi said the focus now is on running the event and continuing to raise awareness about violence against women.
“Judging from the people that showed up today, it’s going to be a huge success. I would love to continue raising the awareness about violence against women, and just see where that leads us. And I feel this was a beautiful way to express our care for the survivors and coming together as a community. It has been amazing,” she said.
