But an Ontario woman could be changing that. Carol Miller, of Russeldale,  is encouraging people across Canada to take their place around a quilt for the sake of an issue that affects all women--breast cancer.
 

The exhibit will end with a gala auction of the quilts on Nov. 12.Proceeds from the sales will be donated to breast cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society.

The event is a part of the popular Waterloo County and Area Quilt Festival, of which Miller is a founding organizer. Miller is hoping at least 35 quilts will be donated to the exhibit and that each province will be represented. Quilters have been notified through quilters guilds, a national quilting magazine and by word of mouth.

So far, a group of surgeons are working on a quilt together. Stratford Festival actor Michelle Fisk also plans to make a quilt from fabric donated by the theatre's wardrobe department.

"You don't have to be a quilter to make a quilt. There are lots of ways for people to be involved in a quilt," said Miller.

"People can choose to donate the batting or the fabric," she said. "They could make coffee and refreshments for the quilters." Most of all, Miller said people can get involved by developing their own group of people committed to donating a quilt to the exhibit. 

Individuals, groups or businesses can sponsor a quilt with a donation of $500, $2,000 or $20,000. The money covers the costs of the material and Miller said the exhibit committee will find a group to do the quilting. Proceeds from the sale of each quilt will go back to the home branch of the quilt donors.