Project Linus

Context
The Internet is opening up new frontiers and building bridges. Because of this technology, the Quebec chapter of Project Linus, a US organization that distributes handmade knit, sewn or woven blankets to sick children and babies, was born.

Project Description
After finding the Project Linus Web site on-line by chance and contacting the project organizers, Guylaine Chalifour decided to establish a Quebec chapter and distribute handmade blankets to sick children in the province.

Since she lived in the suburbs where the number of volunteers were limited, and had no operational budget, Ms. Chalifour decided to launch a Web site, created by her husband, for the Quebec chapter. Internet users responded right away, sending Ms. Chalifour letters and e-mails from across Quebec. Since then, the Web site has continued to expand, and the number of volunteers has grown steadily, now standing at close to 300 in all parts of the province.

Successes/Challenges
Using the technology in its simplest form has led to the recruitment of hundreds of volunteers across Quebec at low cost. Thanks to an e-mail communication network, a few hours per month allocated to the Internet Web site and approximately ten hours per week for the Project Linus in order to prepare the blankets for the children by Mr. Perron and Ms. Chalifour has permitted this one-of-a-kind project to be launched in Quebec.

http://pages.infinit.net/danielp/linus/

These best practices are an excellent way of sharing your experiences with other organizations in the voluntary sector. If you also have positive experiences on the use of technology in the voluntary sector, the IM-IT Secretariat will be pleased to post your stories. Please contact the IM/IT Secretariat by e-mail at imit@ic.gc.ca.