Zoë Whymark with Dalmeny Quilters Jann Baker, Heli Hennessy, Carol Ogden and Helen Klein. Photo: Kat McCarthy.
The Dalmeny Quilters have used their craft credentials for Christmas kindness, with cash and quilt donations to women and children supported by the South-East Women and Children’s Services (SEWACS).
Following fundraising in the lead-up to their quilt exhibition held in Narooma during October, the group was able to donate $1000 each to two groups – SEWACS and The Little Yuin Aboriginal Pre-School in Wallaga Lake.
Quilters also crafted a number of children’s quilts gifted to kids supported by SEWACS. The organisation runs support programs in the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla shires for women, children and young people experiencing family and/or domestic violence.
Dalmeny Quilters’ creation donated to SEWACS. Photo: Kat McCarthy.
Dalmeny Quilters President Jann Baker says quilters are passionate about backing organisations offering vital community services, including in aged care, health, education and social support.
“We’ve done quite a lot over the past few years for nursing homes in Dalmeny, so this year we decided it would be a good idea to change it up,” Jann says. “SEWACS needs as much assistance as it can get.”
Supporting the important work of organisations such as SEWACS means paying it forward, Jann says. “You feel fortunate that you don’t have to call on them, but you never know, one day you may,” she says.
SEWACS Eurobodalla Domestic and Family Violence Service Program Manager Zoë Whymark says the Dalmeny Quilters’ donations will support women and children in the Eurobodalla who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to domestic violence.
“One of the dreams for the service in Moruya is get approval and install a therapeutic nest swing for mothers and their children to play in,” Zoë says.
“Our backyard is currently in need of a lift and more variety of durable play equipment. Plastic equipment perishes in the sun so we are seeking a durable, locally-made nest swing that is heavy duty for adults to use, as well as their children.”
A Dalmeny Quilters’ creation donated to SEWACS. Photo: Kat McCarthy.
The estimated cost of the project is $15,000 and the quilters’ $1000 donation will be put toward that goal, Zoë says.
Jann says Dalmeny Quilters won’t stop at the children’s quilts.
“We’re going to make adult quilts for some of the ladies (supported by SEWACS),” Jann says. “That’s part of our mission for next year.”
For support with domestic/family violence issues, contact SEWACS on 6492 2088 (Bega) or 4474 3226/1800 797 657 (Moruya). If you’re an individual or group who’d like to support SEWACS fundraising, please contact the team on 4474 3226.
Words by Kat McCarthy
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