I can't beleive that we are up to Part 15 of the Tales of the Travelling 15th Anniversary Laundry Bags, and I have so many photos and testimonies still to share.
This week is all about volunteers. What would we do without our volunteers! Enjoy the read!
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When deciding which photo and story to share today it was easy as today is the first anniversary of Cath working as my admin assistant for two days a week. It is the best decision we have made as a Board as her help is incredibly important. As well as being my Admin Assistant, Cath still volunteers and creates gorgeous quilts and laundry bags for our recipients. Along with Cath comes Miss Ruby, also pictured. She is part of the Welcome Committee any time we have visitors.
“For 8.5 years, I have been sewing for Aussie Heroes. It began when I met an AHQ volunteer who I had known for years when our babies were young. She invited me to her home and showed me what she was sewing. I thought, "I can do that." I knew I had the skills and that simple invitation began my AHQ journey.
When I started, I had no fabric stash. How that has changed! I now have crates and crates of fabric. In fact, the large wardrobe in the front bedroom is filled with crates of fabric. The bed is used for my design layouts. The fact I never had a stash has become a running joke.
My AHQ journey has given me wonderful friendships, monthly sewing gatherings, inspiration, and opportunities to try new ideas and techniques. I enjoy experimenting with designs, painting elements, creating new block patterns, and ensuring each quilt reflects a different style.
As a volunteer, I have experienced many memorable moments. I have presented a Fallen Warrior quilt to a widow, a humbling and emotional experience. I attended family days at sea on board HMAS Hobart and HMAS Sydney.
One of my recipients gave her parents strict instructions to have a photo taken with me at the Thank You Dinner. Her parents turned out to be the Chief of Defence, David Johnston, and his wife.
Another recipient invited me aboard HMAS Adelaide for a 3 day voyage to Eden. It was an incredible opportunity to see life aboard Australia's largest warship. I gained insight into how the crew live and work. Eating in the officers' mess was wonderful, with plenty of delicious food choices. Our day in Eden was an adventure. After a safety briefing and putting on our life jackets, we were divided into groups and boarded amphibious landing craft like those you see in war movies. We travelled to shore, where the rear ramp opened and we walked straight onto the beach. None of this would have been possible if I was not an AHQ volunteer.
Why do I sew for Aussie Heroes? It provides mental stimulation, opportunities to create and experiment, and make meaningful connections with others. Most importantly, I know I make a positive difference in the lives of others. I can use my talents do something for other mums' sons and daughters that they cannot do themselves. These unique handcrafted, personalised gifts are stitched with love, provide comfort, warmth, and a touch of home as well as let our defence people know that they are thought of and cared for.”
Gail Is another of our long-serving volunteers. I still remember her turning up at my front door one day with a beautiful traditional quilt in her hands ready to donate. Not long after that Gail became a regular attendee at our Friday sewing/working days. As well as numerous quilts and laundry bags, Gail has made coats for some of our military working dogs and she is currently working on a special project for one of our more unusual ADF members. No hints, you will just have to wait and see.
“Early in 2012, having cut back my work to 3 days a week, I was looking for a charity or similar organisation involving quilt making. Having been a patchworker for over 30 years, I wanted to continue making quilts but was running out of willing recipients. There are limits to how many quilts family and friends need.
I stumbled across Aussie Hero Quilts, contacted Jan-Maree, and was delighted to find that she lived only a few suburbs away and welcomed new volunteers. The story of how and why Jan-Maree established AHQ is well known now, but when I first heard it, I felt that involvement with AHQ was something worthwhile that I would find fulfilling.
Initially I was happy to just make quilts at home and donate them along with fabrics which I had accumulated over many years. Jan-Maree often tells people that one of the first quilts I donated was made up of 3-inch nine-patch blocks made from scraps. I still love to use scraps!
In recent years, my husband has gradually become more interested in my work with AHQ. He is not afraid to offer his opinions on the colours and layouts of my quilts and laundry bags and he asks about the recipients I am sewing for. It’s nice to have the support.
Fifteen years on, I am still actively involved with AHQ, and it is definitely worthwhile and fulfilling.
Thank you, Jan-Maree, for creating such a supportive and inclusive organisation.”
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