Members of Holy Rosary Blanket Ministry recently received “giving bears” from group founder Ruth Gahagan in honor of their gifts to others. From left are, front row: Jeanette Searles, Bernadette LeBlanc, Madeline Guerrette, Albertine Dufour, Nancy Thibodeau, Gahagan and Judy Bougie. Middle row: Marie Thibeault, Birdine Wedberg, Joyce LaFrancoise, Marilyn Daigle and Lorraine Maguire. Back row: Velma Castonguay and Elizabeth Long. Absent are Marie-Berthe Cyr, Linda Dickinson, Kay Nadeau and Pat Wood. (Courtesy of Judy Bougie)
Ruth Gahagan, founder of the Holy Rosary Blanket Ministry in 2014, recently gifted each member with a “giving bear” that said, “Whenever you need a little comfort, a little safe, a little brave, just whisper in my ear and hold me tight. I’ll be here for you.”
Gahagan chose the bear because it reminded her of the ministry’s mission statement: “To provide warmth, comfort, and love to those in need.”
The ministry has made and given more than 1,900 tied fleece blankets to those in need. Members make the blankets with love and compassion and in turn have become “giving bears,” Gahagan said.
