A SMALL but committed group of artists have pledged funds to the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service after sustained fundraising efforts.
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Tenterfield’s Arts and Crafts group made the donation as this year’s Chopper Week looms.
Their $500 contribution comes after a busy period which saw the 15-strong-group raise funds during their quilt show, Oracles of the Bush and a street stall.
“I think it’s such an important thing to have here in town – especially living in rural areas,” president of the Arts and Crafts group Pam Hartfield said.
The little collective of knitters and quilters have been in operation for nearly five decades now and this is estimated to be about the tenth time the group has donated to the Westpac Service.
Ms Hartfield said it certainly wouldn’t be their last.
They’ve also given funds to the Cancer Council for this year’s Biggest Morning Tea and completed 40 quilts which have been sent to Horsham, NSW for fire victims of January’s devastating bushfires.
“It’s the fifth time we’ve held a weekend where we’ve quilted. We’ve sent off quilts to Brisbane, Coonabarabran, Moree and now Horsham,” Ms Hartfield said.
A new idea from the group has caught attention with a campaign to craft ‘knitted knockers’.
The unique creation is knitted prosthetic breasts for mastectomy patients which the group intend to send to the Tamworth Private Hospital.
“It’s an idea we got from a group in Western Australia – you can quite easily knit one in 2-3 hours,” Pam said.
“We think it’s certainly worthwhile helping women in a rather devastating time in their life.
“It’s really saying to them that there are people who are thinking and caring for them – cancer is something that has touched all our lives one way or another,” she said.
A free morning tea on September 11 will see craft enthusiasts from Deepwater and Mingoola also join the Tenterfield contingent.
For anyone interested in joining the group they meet on Thursday’s at the Tenterfield Visitors Information Centre from 10am.
“We’re really a group for anyone interested in craft of any description and you don’t have to be experienced – everyone needs some me time,” Pam said.