Wellwood has now presented its 5000th handmade afghan to someone in this community who is affected by cancer.

This is one of the supportive cancer care centre's most popular and successful initiatives. Many visitors and patients of the Juravinski Cancer Centre and Juravinski Hospital or clients of Wellwood will recall seeing knitting baskets in various waiting rooms and sitting areas.

Individuals contribute a square, a few rows of knitting, or even a stitch or two while they are waiting, receiving treatment, or visiting a friend in hospital. The squares are then knit together by a team of volunteers who create small, large and baby afghans, which brighten up hospital rooms, and bring cheer, warmth and comfort to patients.

As of December5, 2005 Wellwood has now given away 5000 of the familiar and colourful afghans to babies, children, teens and adults.