Support a good cause, and make lifelong friends along the way
Nestled within a bustling Save the Children Op Shop sit the busy sewing ladies, dedicated to providing handmade tote bags to Western Australia’s shops. The group have collectively dedicated over 100 years of volunteering time. Barbara (14 years), Fay (12 years), Carolyn (37 years), Coralie (4 years) and Beryl (35 years), meet weekly to sit, chat, drink tea, coffee and of course use their creative sewing skills to support Save the Children.
Fay (left) and Carolyn (right) of the WA sewing group, joined by Area Manager Kay in the middle
Photo:Mike Chilton / Save the Children
Where they were once makers of aprons, cushions, pillow slips and children’s clothes, the ladies now specialise in crafting popular tote bags. Their process is efficient and well-honed. First, they cut the material, then Beryl and Fay overlock the bags together, and finally Barbara, Coralie, and Carolyn finish them off. Carolyn, who’s mum volunteered for 35 years before her, boasts that their process is so refined “we could do it with our eyes closed!”.
Fay (left) and Carolyn (right) in the process of creating tote bags as volunteers for Save the Children
Photo: Emma Shepherdson / Save the Children
They are incredibly resourceful, relying on friends, donations and the sewing community for fabrics, tablecloths, tea towels and ribbons to put the bags together. The sewing ladies have seen years of changes and growth within Save the Children. Through that time, they have created a tightknit community (and a casual book club).
When asked what they love about their volunteering experience, Fay says “it’s a great community group. It’s just a life saver to be doing something worthwhile”. “And helping other people as well!” Carolyn chimes in.
Area Manager Kay speaking with a community member at the opening of the new Butler Op Shop
in Western Australia.
Photo: Emma Shepherdson / Save the Children“The beauty of the group is if something comes up, you have the support and help of the other ladies, but most of all we have fun,” says Beryl.
Spend a morning with these ladies, and you will understand the joys that can come with joining a community like Save the Children, supporting a good cause, and making lifelong friends along the way.