The Parkes RSL Women’s Auxiliary has focused their efforts of late on helping to provide quilts for homeless veterans.
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The Central Council of Women’s Auxiliaries (CCWA) – of which the Parkes auxiliary is a member – has taken on a new quilting project, which local women have wholeheartedly supported.
The project aims to raise the self-esteem and hope for the future of homeless Veterans.
Two beautiful quilt tops were created and donated earlier this year by Parkes woman Rhona Went and the Parkes S.T.A.R. (sew talk and relax) Quilting Group.
The quilts were mailed to the CCWA state president, Paulin James, in Sydney for completion.
In a CCWA newsletter, Mrs James said the quilts have been made with love for Australian veterans who have nothing.
“Quilts give warmth, they bring people together, bringing memories of better times, and they help to put a bit of colour into a bedroom or lounge room,” she said.
Parkes RSL Women’s Auxiliary president June Cassell sent “an avalanche of thanks” to the wonderful ladies in Parkes for giving their skills, time and funds to the project.
“And my thanks to members for their continuing support and encouragement,” she added.
Parkes RSL Women’s Auxiliary vice president Lyn Kennedy also thanked everyone involved.
“There is an extraordinary number of homeless veterans,” she said.
“These quilters have come together to make these quilts, they paid for their material and have donated it to us.
“Thank you to these ladies.”
Separate quilting projects, such as the Lest We Forget Quilt Project and the In Flanders Field Quilt, have raised more than $60,000, which has been donated to Defence Care.
The CCWA’s new quilting project wasn’t about raising money but providing warmth and comfort to veterans.
Camden Country Quilters started the project by spending a couple of days making quilts for homeless and incapacitated veterans.
Some where displayed at a Government House afternoon tea.
CCWA members aimed to collect single and double-sized quilts, which would not include anything depicting their services in the Australian Defence Force.
Their goal was to donate something that would brighten their day, something veterans needed together with the knowledge that people care.
“If there is anyone still willing to help out by making a quilt, they can do so by contacting Jeanine Boland on 6862 1187,” Lyn said.
In other news, the Parkes RSL Women’s Auxiliary appointed their officer bearers at their annual general meeting in February.
Positions are as follows – Patron: Mrs Erla Britt, President: Mrs June Cassell, Vice President: Miss Lyn Kennedy, Secretary: Mrs Jeanine Boland, Assistant Secretary: Mrs Kerry Tinker, Treasurer: Mrs Loris White, Hospital Visitors: Mesdames Norma Pollock, Aileen Ahearne and Shirley Bishop.
