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Quilts have deployed personnel covered

Canberra base, HMAS Harman, welcomed representatives from 'Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags)' during reception at the Bonshaw Mess recently to thank them for their support to members deployed overseas.

The reception brought together representatives from around Australia to express their appreciation to volunteers from the group, with many attendees having received a handmade quilt or laundry bag while on operations.
 
The quilts and bags are hand crafted by the volunteers and sent to personnel serving overseas, bringing comfort and a reminder their service is making Australia proud.
 
Retired Rear Admiral Trevor Jones highlighted the significant achievements Aussie Hero Quilts had made in recent years.
 
“Aussie Hero Quilts has become an iconic organisation among Australian Defence Force personnel serving on operations as well as those suffering serious illness,” Rear Admiral Jones said.
 
“The quilts, lovingly embroidered, often to each individuals' desire, become family heirlooms which offer, in many instances, operational memorabilia of more personal significance than the campaign medals accompanying operational service.”
 
Rear Admiral Jones described the wonder, joy, gratitude and sense of purpose which passes across the face of each recipient when they open their quilt for the first time and show them off to their mates.
 
Aussie Hero Quilts was founded in 2012 by Jan-Maree Ball who had previously made and sent personalised laundry bags to a team of soldiers deployed in Afghanistan.
 
“Aussie Hero Quilts is a community based organisation that makes and sends personalised quilts and laundry bags to our deployed men and women serving overseas to say thank you for your service and the sacrifice that service asks of you and your loved ones.” Ms Ball said.
 
“This is a rare opportunity for my Aussie Hero Friends to get a better understanding of the impact of their quilts and laundry bags on our deployed men and women first hand.”
 
Rear Admiral Brett Wolski, Head People Capability and Chair of the Navy Relief Trust Fund, and Warrant Officer of the Navy Gary Wright, presented Ms Ball with a cheque for $2,000 in recognition of Aussie Hero Quilts and its volunteers’ hard work. The funds were from a grant approved by Keeping Watch, the Navy’s official charity.
 
Ms Ball was thrilled to receive the funds, which will be used to make many more quilts for personnel serving overseas.

WHAT DO OUR NAVY FAMILIES SAY?

  • M Bult - HMAS Hobart

    When there was an unfortunate circumstance that resulted in financial hardship for a family member, Keeping Watch was eager to help out as much as possible. My divisional staff were more than accommodating to ensure that I understood the process, and between them and the Keeping Watch team I was constantly reassured that the help my family desperately needed at the time was being organised. Keeping Watch is the light at the end of the tunnel, you just need to reach out and ask for the help.

  • D Smith - Canberra

    I cannot thank Keeping Watch for helping us in our time of need. We were struggling with living expenses after a death in the family and I found out about Keeping Watch. I'm so glad I conatcted them to see how they could help. They were amazing throughout and the money could not have come at a better time. We are now moving forward positively and looking to the future. Thank you so much.

  • R James - Canberra

    I would highly recommend Keeping Watch if you need financial help and are a Navy family. We experienced an unexpected family crisis and we were struggling to meet daily living expenses and child care costs. Keeping Watch helped us through this difficult situation with a grant and offered some very valuable advise on how to deal with the loss. If you need help, contact Keeping Watch.