WHITEHORSE — A humble, volunteer-driven ritual used by the Hospice Yukon Society to comfort people in distress is facing a shortage this summer as its supply of pocket-sized, fabric "feelie" hearts runs low.
A homegrown comfort running thin
The fabric hearts have been part of the hospice’s care toolkit for about 20 years. Volunteers hand-sew small, soft hearts that staff give to visitors who are facing loss, anxiety or other difficult moments. Program coordinator Deb Higgins said the hospice’s stash fluctuates; some seasons they have plenty, other times the shelves are nearly bare. At the time of reporting, the organisation had about 200 hearts remaining.
Many of the hearts are made from donated fabrics and cotton stuffing, and assembled by volunteers in Whitehorse. One long-time maker, Myra Iles, began sewing the items after her mother died six years ago. Drawing on materials left by her mother, she estimated she has produced nearly 3,000 hearts for the hospice.
“I could probably tell you, from every piece of material, what my mother created from it,” Iles said. “There’s a bit of emotion attached to it, and so I was waiting for a special project to come along.”
Origins and purpose
The concept of the feelie heart comes from an art-therapy tool developed by the Bridges Centre for Grieving Children in the United States in 1988. The small, squeezable hearts are intended as a tactile comfort for people — often children — while they share memories or express grief. For two decades, Hospice Yukon has adapted that model for its own clients, keeping a ready supply at its front desk for anyone who may need a tangible comfort while they talk or wait.
How the community can help
Hospice staff are asking for assistance to replenish their supply. Contributions of fabric, cotton stuffing, or time to sew hearts would all be useful. Higgins said even one sewn heart from a new volunteer would help keep the program going.
- What is needed: fabric pieces, cotton stuffing, thread and volunteer sewing time
- Who benefits: hospice visitors, people experiencing grief or difficult moments
- How to contribute: contact the Hospice Yukon Society to volunteer or donate materials
Local impact
Small comfort measures like the feelie hearts are part of a larger suite of supports that community hospices provide: listening, bereavement supports, and referrals to other community services. While the hearts do not substitute for counselling or professional support, volunteers and staff say the tactile object can create an opening for conversation and provide immediate solace.
Iles described sewing as a way to honour her mother’s memory while contributing to others’ care. For the hospice, the hearts are a low-cost, high-empathy item — but they rely entirely on goodwill and volunteer labour to remain available.
| Item | Figure / Notes |
|---|---|
| Years hospice has handed out hearts | ~20 years |
| Hearts currently in stock | ~200 |
| Hearts made by one volunteer (Iles) | ~3,000 (estimated) |
Next steps and contacts
Hospice Yukon’s program coordinator encouraged anyone with an interest in learning more to reach out. People who sew but need materials are also invited to contact the hospice; donations of fabric remnants and stuffing can be turned into dozens of hearts by experienced volunteer stitchers.
As a community tool that sprouts from ordinary kindness, the feelie hearts depend on neighbours stepping forward when supplies are low. For now, Hospice Yukon is hoping its call for help will bring new volunteers and material donations to ensure the tradition continues to be available for people who need a simple, soothing gesture in difficult times.
For donation and volunteer information, contact the Hospice Yukon Society at its Whitehorse office.
