I reckon by the time these laundry bags all make it back to Headquarters in time to be auctioned at our Annual Dinner this year some of them will be more well-travelled than the average person.
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“I served in East Timor from 2002
to 2003, well before AHQ was founded. I remember watching others receive their
quilts longingly and jealously over the years. That’s why it meant so much to
finally receive my beautiful quilt this year.
My quilt beautifully represents all aspects of my life brought together. Added to that, it keeps me warm! Thank you so much!”
Today’s 15th Anniversary Laundry Bag post is from
the Inaugural Chairman of the Aussie Hero Quilts Board. Air Marshal Leo Davies
Retd was a pleasure to work with for Aussie Hero Quilts and he continues to
support us from the sidelines. With me being an ex-RAAF Air Traffic Controller,
and Leo being an EX-RAAF pilot, and an F111 Pilot at that (they are a special
breed), the banter was often amusing. Leo’s farewell from the Board was his
very special laundry bag featuring pink flying pigs and golf motifs for the
golf fanatic he is.
“As someone who has deployed and as a senior RAAF leader, I saw the immensely positive effect that AHQ delivers to our men and women.
I, as part of a dedicated Board helped JM modernise the
housekeeping so our amazing volunteers could focus on reaching more and more
veterans.
Like all successful outfits, AHQ is reenergising with new
leadership and I can now watch their work do its magic across the ADF and now
the Public Service in certain circumstances.
Cheers Aussie Hero’s on your 15th Anniversary.”
Four years ago one of our recipients received a @DefenceCommunityDog
called Skye. Along with Skye, she also
received a Stay Mat for Skye to use. This mat is designed to be the dog’s
“place” when out and about. Our recipient discovered that the organisation was
having trouble finding an organisation to provide the Stay Mats so she got in
touch with Aussie Hero Quilts to see if this was something we could help with.
We are often asked to sew all sorts of things other than the
quilts and laundry bags we are known for. Most of the time the answer is no,
but working with Defence Community Dogs was a good fit for us. Defence
Community Dogs is an independent program that provides highly trained
Assistance Dogs at no cost, to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force
members who need physical and emotional support for mood, depressive and
anxiety disorders including PTSD.
DCD is such an amazing program, making a real life changing, life saving difference to the veterans who receive them. Aussie Hero Quilts is really proud to be able to support them in a small but meaningful way.
This time I am celebrating not just our 15th year but also the long lasting relationship we have with one of our supporters. Victorian Textiles and Matilda’s Own has been supporting us almost since Day 1 and definitely since our first year of operation. The fact that they jumped on board with us so early, before we had a track record, before we had built up our reputation, is so important and is something we do not take lightly.
“We, at Victorian Textiles and Matildas Own , would like to
extend our warmest congratulations to you and your entire team on reaching the
remarkable milestone of 15 years of dedicated service. This achievement is a
testament to your hard work, passion, and commitment to making a meaningful
difference.
We are truly honoured to be part of the incredible movement
you have created through Aussie Hero Quilts. Witnessing the positive impact
your quilts and laundry bags are having on the service people that receive is
both inspiring and humbling. The stories of hope and support that come from you
and your team’s efforts make it clear just how special and important the work
Aussie Hero Quilts does is.
Your dedication over the years has not only provided comfort
to many but has also built a strong community of supporters and advocates who
share your vision. It is genuinely uplifting to see how far the movement has
come and to know that your mission continues to touch lives in profound ways.
As you celebrate this significant anniversary, please accept
our best wishes for continued success and growth. We are confident that your
passion and perseverance will lead to many more years of positive impact and
achievement.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of this journey. We
look forward to supporting you in the years ahead and celebrating even more
milestones together.
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I am grateful that we have been able to establish a great
relationship with Australia Post given that we rely on them so heavily to
transport the quilts and bags we make to the vast majority of our recipients.
“Upon learning about the valuable services provided by Aussie Hero Quilts, I am proud to offer my support as they assist Defence members deployed away from home.
Our commitment is to ensure that quilts and laundry bags are
delivered efficiently to locations where they are needed most, to defence
members both within Australia and internationally.
Steven Zingle – Australia Post – Regional Defence Manager –
NSW”
Till next time.... keep spreading the word and happy stitching!
Jan-Maree xx
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