The comfort of handmade quilts
By Carolyn Davenport
Coordinator, Vietnam Veterans Federation (SA Branch) quilting group
Members and partners of the Vietnam Veterans Federation (SA Branch) Inc set up a quilting group in 2003. The objective of the group was to provide meaningful therapy for those who needed it and allow the creative instincts of others to be channelled into a productive venture.
The group initially made quilts for personal use, but moved on to making quilts for others. One such quilt was presented to the DVA office in Adelaide. The blocks on this quilt represented each Army Corps, plus Navy and Air Force, with the edge being the ribbon colours of campaign medals.
In recent years, a number of quilts have been made featuring poppies, and soldiers in various situations. These quilts have featured in commemorations such as Coral/Balmoral and Remembrance Day.
The group has also supplied quilts to RSL Care SA. This organisation runs a number of short-term emergency accommodation options for male and female veterans. To date, the group has donated 98 quilts with more on the way.
When veterans enter this short-term accommodation, they are provided with the necessities for living, including one of the quilts which they take with them when they leave. The quilts are much treasured by the recipients: ‘the quilt means so much to me and I want to thank you all for most definitely giving me, not only accommodation, but hope,’ said one. ‘You are making a real difference to the lives of the Veteran community.’
The quilting fabric is supplied by the members of the quilting group and other materials are purchased with the aid of VVF (SA Branch) and generous donations. A DVA grant enabled us to purchase a modern quilting machine and other necessary items, and without this support much of the group’s amazing work would not have happened.
If you would like to become involved, please contact us on 08 8296 2411 or via vvfsa [at] tpg.com.au (email).
(L-R) Bob & Jan Russell (parents of the late Andrew Russell), Carolyn Davenport, Evelyn Pitt, Jillian Scroop, Margaret Rogers and Nathan Klinge (former RSL Coordinator)