Project LUCA - Loving and Understanding Children with Autism

Project LUCA (Loving and Understanding Children with Autism) is about bringing families and communities together around children with Autism. Project LUCA uses quilts and quilting as fundraising and educational tools in support of Autistic children and their families.

Insofar as quilting is the act of individuals stitching small pieces together into a beautiful whole, it is the perfect symbol (literal and physical) for families’ and communities’ approach to solving the puzzle of autism.

Dedicated to helping Autistic children and their families access the best possible education, Project LUCA exists to raise money for and educate our communities about children with Autism.

We welcome and need your support. Here's how to get involved:

Project LUCA Quilts
"Friends of Project LUCA" QUILTATHON
Quilt n’ Tie Corporate Quilts
Celebrity/Artisan Quilts/Art
Stitch n' Learn Educational Quilts
Out of the Box Opportunities

1. Project LUCA Quilts

We invite you to contribute to Project LUCA's first commemorative quilts. They will be displayed in the lobbies of Shining Through Centre's for Autism's North York and Woodbridge locations. Each contribution of $500 or more entitles you to personalize a quilt square with your signature, name and/or a message of support.
Donate now.

2. "Friends of Project LUCA" QUILTATHON

We invite you to join the QUILTATHON! Think of it as a break for your running shoes (though you should expect to put your foot to the pedal in support of this cause!) Anyone can build a Friends of Project LUCA quilt (no talent required). We'll help you as much as we can with fundraising tools, quilting lessons and some donated fabric. The QUILTATHON registration fee is $150.
Click here to sign up to sew the QUILTATHON.

3. Quilt n’ Tie Corporate Quilts

We invite you to bring our program to your workspace. For Greater Toronto Area businesses, we will provide a quilting lesson, fundraising tools and a bag of fabric to help you build a Project LUCA wall hanging to display at your office. This team building exercise feels great and encourages everyone to pitch in for a good cause. The Quilt n' Tie Registration fee is $250.
Click here to sign up for the Quilt n' Tie Corporate Quilt Program.

4. Celebrity/Artisan Quilts & Art

For those of you with talents that make you famous (or infamous) in mainstream or quilting circles, we invite you to contribute your signature and/or your creation to the cause. Any art piece that incorporates lots of smaller pieces (think mosaics, collages, beadwork, etc.) These works of art will be auctioned off at Project LUCA's annual Quilted Tie Affair.
Click here if you are or if you know a celebrity.
Click here if you are or if you know an artist.

5. Stitch n' Learn Educational Quilts

Are you an educator or a parent? Bring our educational program to your children’s classroom. For Greater Toronto Area schools, we will facilitate a workshop that uses the metaphor of the quilt to represent solving the puzzle of Autism. This engaging workshop uses art to educate your class about Autism and gives your class all the necessary tools including fabric to build their own quilt in support of the cause and (optional) learn how to plan and execute a basic fundraiser. This is an excellent educational opportunity and a great way to encourage volunteerism and help students rack up volunteer hours. The Stitch n' Learn Workshop registration fee is $125 plus travel.
Click here to sign up for a Stitch n' Learn Workshop.

6. Out of the Box Opportunities

Have a great idea for Project LUCA? Do you love golfing and want to organize a Quilting Tee(off)? Are you an avid poker player eager to discover your Quilter Face at the next game? Or are you an artist who loves to put small stuff together to make a beautiful bigger picture (think collage, mosaic, beadwork, etc.) Tell us your ideas and we'll help make them happen.
Click here to create an Out of the Box opportunity.

We are always looking for volunteers who can contribute time, sewing skills, fabric and other quilting supplies, quilting expertise, energy, etc. to Project LUCA.
Click here to help.