Giving Back

Every deployment has its certainties - the absence from family and friends and long work hours seven days a week are guaranteed.

Thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers though there is now another certainty for ADF personnel on deployment - a quilt or laundry bag from Aussie Hero Quilts.

Task Group Afghanistan recently held a fundraising BBQ as a way to say thanks and give something back to the volunteer organisation.

Lance Corporal Emily Lahey, Co-ordinating Clerk, Task Group Afghanistan and organiser of the event has had the pleasure of working with Aussie Hero Quilts and distributing quilts and laundry bags to grateful personnel throughout her deployment.

“During my time here, we’ve received 30 boxes with quilts and laundry bags for personnel in theatre,” she said.

“Everyone here has received a laundry bag or quilt, if not both.

“So we thought it was time to give back to the almost 200 volunteers of Aussie Hero Quilts who give their time, creativity and money to make these for us.”

The Task Group headquarters raised money through gold coin donations and a raffle for a day off - a coveted prize on operations.

“We managed to raise almost $1000, which I’m told could make over 90 quilts,” Lance Corporal Lahey said of the fundraising effort.

“It’s not just about the quilts though, they put a lot of love and care into the packages they come in as well, and they always seem to arrive at the perfect time, just when someone needs it most.

“To know that a complete stranger has put so much thought and care into sending a laundry bag or quilt to you, it puts a smile on your face every time you see it.”

Australian Defence Force personnel are deployed across Afghanistan in a variety of roles on Operation Highroad, Australia’s contribution to the NATO-led Resolute Support mission.

Resolute Support is focused on training, advising and assisting the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces and Afghan security institutions at the operational, institutional and ministerial levels.

Editorial note: For more information on Aussie Hero Quilts and examples of some of the great quilts and laundry bags ADF personnel on operations have received, visit www.aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com.