By BRIDGET SCOTT
THE Australian branch of Quilts of Valour has expanded, and Helen Comport would now like to see all families of fallen soldiers receive a quilt.
After Ms Comport began the Australian branch of the worldwide organisation in 2010, the group’s initial aim was to see that all returned soldiers were sent a quilt to assist them with their recovery.
Now, as the war in Afghanistan continues and families battle with the loss of loved ones, Ms Comport would like to send a quilt to every member in the family of a fallen solider.
To help keep up with requests and make this a reality, the Harkaway resident has organised a ‘Quilt-In’ this Saturday 5 April at the Harkaway Hall.
“So many people have asked how they can help, and we decided if we have a quilting day, we can make up kits for each of the tables,” Ms Comport said.
She said there will be something there for all abilities, from cutting fabric, to sorting material and sewing on labels.
“The idea is to get lots of quilts made in the one day,” she said.
Ms Comport began this branch after a close relative was injured in conflict and evacuated to a German military hospital.
While in hospital, Helen’s relative was presented with a quilt by an American organisation and the gesture never left his heart.
The effect was felt throughout the family and when Helen saw the comfort this quilt gave her relative, she wanted to help provide the same kind of happiness to others who had experienced war.
While originally it was only returned soldiers who were presented with a quilt, family members of those who have passed away will now receive one to comfort them while they grieve.
“So far we have supplied to the wounded, but now we’ve got them (the Regimental Sergeant Majors) to contact us with families who have lost a solider since we started in Afghanistan,” Ms Comport said.
“Families have written us such beautiful things, and we feel if this will help them in any way with their grief we are more than happy to send them a quilt.”
Ms Comport has also been invited to the Quilts of Valour National Foundation Conference in the United States this August and hoped she would be able to attend.
“It would help promote it in Australia and I would learn a lot,” she said.
Ms Comport also hoped she would be able to register her organisation as a recognised charity to help with expenses such as postage.
“I hope we will become more recognised in Australia,” she said.
Ms Comport said she hoped this Saturday will help build up stock and give the group a head start before they start to distribute quilts.
Everyone is welcome to the ‘Quilt-In’ at the Harkaway Hall which will run from 10am until 3pm this Saturday 5 April.
