Creative quilters help keep families warm
Dozens of practical and attractive quilts are on their way to Manawatu¯ families in desperate need.
The Rose City Quilters have given the labour-intensive craft works to emergency responders delivering welfare during the Covid19 response.
Club president Robynne Fellows said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of many of the club’s 200 members who had responded to the call for help within days.
‘‘They have been busy finishing off projects and getting them ready to go.
‘‘It’s not a cheap hobby and that’s why it impresses me so much that people are so willing to donate.’’
Fellows said the latest collection of quilts was brought together after a chance conversation about the desperate needs revealed during the Covid-19 lockdown response.
‘‘We made the instant decision to gather as many as we could from our members.’’
Fellows said the quilts were as creative as their makers wanted them to be, but were also practical.
The were made with draft cottons, which were hardy, and filled with either cotton bamboo or acrylic rather than wool so there were no problems with allergies.
They could also be put through a washing machine – washing instructions came included along with the Rose City Quilters’ badge. And they were warm. Accepting the collection on the city’s behalf, deputy mayor Tangi Utikere said he was sure they would be treasured and appreciated.
‘‘They are both a caring and practical gift.
‘‘My thanks and the gratitude of the city go to those whose time, effort and energy have made these beautiful pieces of work available,’’ Utikere said.
Examples of previous charity quilt projects from the club can be found all around Palmerston North, having been given to Arohanui Hospice, wards at Palmerston North Hospital and Heart Kids.
This latest collection will be distributed through Te Roopu Whakaruruhau o Nga Wahine Ma¯ori, Palmerston North Women’s Refuge, the Plunket Society and Mash Trust.