Erica Paynter, On Our Selection News

Australians are famous for stepping up when there is a need and our local district again has not disappointed.

Some time ago we sent out a request in On Our Selection News asking for people to make cotton drawstring dignity bags that could be used by one of our hospitals to supply basic toiletries to patients who come to the hospital emergency department by ambulance, helicopter or Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The response has been nothing short of amazing. Groups like the Toowoomba Women’s Shed, Toowoomba Quilters Group and the Pittsworth Quilters Club have got involved as well as numerous individuals form the young to the elderly.

Our youngest seamstress is in Grade 4 at the Cooyar State School.

The school sewing students proudly presented their finished bags to the Hospital Foundation with their teacher last week.

The eldest contributor is in her 90s and house-bound but still wants to make a difference in her community.

All our wonderful sewers have volunteered their time and resources and to date we have delivered close to 600 handmade dignity bags to that hospital.

A colossal effort on everyone’s part that has been involved and on behalf of every patient that will receive a toiletry filled dignity bag when they need to come to hospital – Thank you! Also a huge thank you to the Hospital Foundation which facilitates the filling and distribution of these bags.

Your timeless efforts have not gone unnoticed.

To all concerned keep up the good work.

You are making a difference and in an emergency situation your community is very grateful. Thank you.

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 14 September 2023.