We are run entirely by volunteers from all walks of life who enjoy rewarding volunteer experiences that recognize their unique skills and interests. We are comprised of quilters, sewers, seamstresses, retirees, graphic designers, professionals, students and more.
Our volunteers assist with fundraising, donating and/or cutting fabric, sewing, washing, ironing and/or packaging pillowcases. They also deliver the beautiful handmade pillowcases to Child Life Specialists in the hospital pediatric units. We are always looking for more volunteers.
Sewing beautiful handmade pillowcases and delivering them to children in hospitals is a process. Here's how you can help us make children smile.
We'd love it if you could sew a pillowcase. You can also help with the packaging and delivering process if you can. Email us to volunteer.
Email Us
We gratefully accept donations of new 100% cotton fabric with kid-friendly patterns.
Email us to donate.
With your help, we can make the hospital experience a little bit easier. You can make a donation on OPACC's donate page by selecting the Comfy Cases Fund.
Donate
Comfy Cases is a program of OPACC. All Canadian donations are processed through OPACC and OPACC issues the tax receipt. Donations can be made online. Click here to reach the OPACC donate page and please select the Comfy Cases Fund.
Yes. Receipts are issued for Canadian donations by OPACC (Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer). Click here to reach the OPACC donate page and please select the Comfy Cases Fund.
There are other groups in Canada sewing pillowcases for kids. Please contact claudiak@comfycases.ca for more information.
Comfy Cases pillow cases are:
We know that sewers often have their favourite ways of making a pillowcase. We like the burrito method. Many find this method fun and easy, but feel free to use whatever pattern you prefer. Check out this video or written instructions to learn more. If you’re trying to sew a burrito style pillowcase for the first time, and are facing challenges and would like some help, please contact us. We are happy to help you out.
The hospitals request 100% cotton fabric. Quilting cotton is best. Please avoid using colours that might run when washed. The children love the bright colours and mixed patterns – animals, flowers, sports, trucks, dolls, dinosaurs, checks, dots, princesses, balloons and more! Keep in mind our “children” are from birth (a pillowcase fits on a bassinette mattress) to age 18.
A pillowcase requires about a metre of fabric. Pillowcases are as close to the“standard” size as possible (20 x 30 inches). We welcome fabric from individuals, retailers and/or fabric distributors. We will be happy to arrange to pick up or drop off at a convenient location. If you can help, contact us.
Absolutely yes! Christmas and Halloween especially. Please ensure the fabric is 100% cotton. Quilting cotton is best.
Unscented detergent is helpful as are 8x8 plastic bags. Our pillowcases are washed in unscented detergent and dried with no dryer sheets! Each pillowcase is packaged in its own plastic (8X8) bag. If you can donate, or if you know of a retailer/supplier who would donate these two needed items, please contact us.
Monetary donations are also appreciated. If you wish to donate, click here to reach the OPACC donate page and please select the Comfy Cases Fund.
No, you do not have to wash the pillowcases. Other volunteers would be happy to wash, iron and package the pillowcases. If you do want to wash, please note that all pillowcases must be washed in unscented detergent before being ironed, packaged. Please do not use fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
No, you don’t have to package the pillowcase. Another volunteer would be happy to put the washed and ironed pillowcase in a plastic bag.
It can be challenging until you get the hang of it. Here’s a video we prepared.
Comfy Cases coordinates the delivery of pillowcases with Child Life Specialists at each hospital. We can ensure that the pillowcases you make go to the hospital in your community. Please see our About Us page for a list of hospitals where Comfy Cases currently distributes pillowcases. If you know of another hospital that would like to receive our pillowcases, please contact us.
Approximately $10 – depending on the cost of the fabric.
Children admitted to pediatric units are up to 18 years old.
Absolutely! They can pick one for their sibling too!
