Aussie Hero Quilts is an organisation of volunteers who make quilts and laundry bags to send to past and present serving Australian Defence Force men and women.
The quilts and laundry bags are gifts to say thank you to veterans for their service and the sacrifice that service asks of them and their families. Recipients can be deployed overseas in countries like Iraq, Israel, Syria, Solomon Islands, South Sudan and Egypt, or within Australia. Many of the quilts are personalised though not all of them.
Since the group was established in 2012, more than 16,000 quilts and 36,000 laundry bags have been presented to past and present Australian servicemen and women.
“The quilts are not works of art, but works of the heart”, says AHQ Founder and Managing Director, Jan-Maree Ball, OAM. There are hundreds of volunteers located around Australia and requests for quilts or laundry bags from colleagues, family and friends are sent to AHQ headquarters daily.
Feedback from recipients show how much they’re appreciated, with comments including “The work you all do is amazing, keep up the great work as it truly does bring smiles and comfort to Aussies on deployment” and “…heartfelt thanks for the beautiful quilt you made for me. As I’m currently deployed in the Middle East, it has been a tremendous source of warmth and comfort, especially as we move into winter. Your thoughtful gift means so much to me, and it truly brightens my days. I appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to creating it.”
“We’re always looking for volunteers”, Jan-Maree added. If sewing for a worthy cause interests you, you can find out more about Aussie Hero Quilts by dropping their stand at the Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair, or visit the website: www.aussieheroquilts.org.au
