Get Involved

We are always looking for more volunteers.

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.

How You Can Help.

Sewing beautiful handmade pillowcases and delivering them to children in hospitals is a process. Here's how you can help us make children smile.

Sew a Pillowcase

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
Donate Fabric & Other Supplies

We gratefully accept donations of new 100% cotton fabric with kid-friendly patterns.
Email us to donate.

Email Us
Donate Funds

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

FAQs

Why am I directed to OPACC when I click the DONATE button?

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.

Are Canadian tax receipts issued for donations?

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.

Are their Comfy Cases groups in other Provinces in Canada?

There are other groups in Canada sewing pillowcases for kids. Please contact claudiak@comfycases.ca for more information.

What are the pillow case requirements?

Comfy Cases pillow cases are:

  • Made from new 100% cotton fabric with kid-friendly patterns* (Please prewash fabric with deep colour dyes like reds and if you think it will shrink; otherwise prewashing is not necessary.)
  • Made to a standard size pillowcase – generally 20 inches X 30 inches or 50 cm X 76 cm (A little bit bigger or a little smaller is just fine!)
  • Made with fun, colourful cotton fabric for ages up to 18 years
  • Made with finished seams – French, serged and/or zigzag.  
What pattern should I use for making a pillowcase?

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.

What kind of fabric should I use/ donate?

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.

Do you accept pillowcases from holiday fabric?

Absolutely yes! Christmas and Halloween especially. Please ensure the fabric is 100% cotton. Quilting cotton is best.

What can I donate other than fabric?

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.

Do I have to wash the pillowcases?

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.

Do I have to package the pillowcase in a plastic bag?

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.

How do I get the pillowcase into the plastic bag?

It can be challenging until you get the hang of it. Here’s a video we prepared.

Can I deliver pillowcases directly to a hospital near my home?

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.

Where do I drop off completed pillowcases?
For Markham, please contact Barb's Custom Quilts

For Brampton, please contact Brampton Sew 'N Serge

For Cobourg, please contact The Common Thread 467 Walton St.

For Toronto central-west, Lens, 66 Orfus Rd.

For Toronto's east-end, Country Clothesline, 471 Cosburn Ave.,  info@countryclothesline.ca

For Pickering/Ajax/Whitby and east Scarborough, please contact Yvonne@sewyummy.ca

For Muskoka in Bracebridge, please contact The Nook and Cranny 705-323-3838 smckenzie5@sympatico.ca

For Muskoka in Severn Bridge/Gravenhurst, please contact Kaaren at thebrandts00@hotmail.com

For Orillia, please contact Kaaren at thebrandts00@hotmail.com

For Mississauga/Oakville, please contact marleneweaver@hotmail.com

For Newmarket, please drop off at Fabricland on Davis Dr.

For Niagara, please contact susanshepherd@gmail.com

For Kitchener, please contact claudiak@comfycases.ca for the local Coordinator's contact info.

For Barrie, please contact admin@opacc.org

For Oshawa, please contact Fabricland Oshawa at 905-436-7589 or 600 Grandview St. W., Oshawa

For Ottawa, please contact Kim at christinecourchaine@rogers.com

For all others, please contact claudiak@comfycases.ca
How much does it cost to make a pillowcase?

Approximately $10 – depending on the cost of the fabric.

What are the ages of the children?

Children admitted to pediatric units are up to 18 years old.

Can the kids take the pillowcases home?

Absolutely! They can pick one for their sibling too!