Two Parkes organisations made sure Christmas came early for Ronald McDonald House in Orange when they handed over a generous donation of hand-made quilts, rugs, various other items, as well as a big cheque on Tuesday.
The cooler weather outside served as a reminder just how important a special blanket is for comfort especially during times of trauma and stress, as 45 families from Parkes have experienced since the opening of the facility in Orange in 2015.
The Parkes College for Seniors and Currajong Disability Services handed over bags of hand-made items to Executive Officer of the Ronald McDonald House, Rebecca Walsh. “These donations are vital for us,” said Rebecca. “Something small means an enormous amount, whether it is a face washer or knitted booties for a new born baby.” She said with these donations they were able to provide a baby bag to a new mother for instance.
According to Rebecca of the 310 families who had stayed at the house since its opening in 2015, 45 families came from Parkes and they had stayed for 323 nights. It is a matter of pure joy for members of the Parkes College for Seniors who have made between 100 and 150 blankets per year for the past 11 years to donate to the Orange based facility. This is in addition to countless face washers, baby clothes and various other items they also make every year.
The active group of women also raised $2,295,40 this year to hand over to Rebecca. “It is good fun as we sit together to make these items at our knit and crochet morning. We just love it!” said one member. Some of the members made as many as eight blankets this year.
Currajong Disability Services joined the ‘campaign’ this year by donating handmade quilts. “We received sewing machines as a donation and decided to start a weekly sewing group,” said Deitre Jackson. With the help of volunteer Kerrie Churchill, who taught and guided the group, they had made enough quilts to donate to the hospital and
Ronald McDonald House. Some of the six permanent members of the group, who met weekly, had never sewn before. They also made bathroom bags.