Tumby Bay Quilting Group continues to provide support to children taken into care through the Backpacks 4 SA Kids.
At the group’s four-day quilting retreat earlier this month, 15 quilters had a concerted effort to support the fast-growing numbers of children removed from their homes.
Group spokesperson Jenny Cook said when Backpacks 4 SA Kids started in 2012 there were 540 children helped by the program annually.
That had now skyrocketed to 6300 children each year and continued to grow.
In all 15 quilters spent four days at the Tumby Bay Golf Club clubrooms for the retreat.
“It (Backpacks 4 SA Kids) exists to provide resources that contribute to the care, safety and well being of children and young people during periods of displacement,” Jenny said.
“The Tumby Bay Quilters have been supporting this organisation for some time. “
She said past donations from Bendigo Bank and Tumby Bay Lions Club had helped to buy wadding and backing for quilted products.
“The need is ongoing as is the quilters’ dedication to providing as much as we can,” Jenny said.
“Lap quilts are also regularly sent to Lyell McEwin oncology patients as a practical and caring gesture.”
Making Santa sacks was one of the main aims at the retreat.
“Two overlockers were on overdrive, to keep up with the production line, which resulted in 54 completed and more planned,” Jenny said.
“Other requests resulted in 43 teen toiletry bags, 45 bunny rugs, and 40 bibs and 92 hair scrunchies.”
Added to the effort were 27 small to medium quilts recently finished by members.
Backpacks 4 SA Kids said 90 per cent of children displaced from their homes did so with only the clothes on their backs.
“The backpacks we provide help to relieve some of the stress and anxiety children face when they are removed from their family, often in traumatic situations and without the opportunity to take any personal belongings with them,” the organisation stated.
“The backpacks provided contain age-appropriate emergency clothing, toiletries and other necessary supplies (such as nappies, bottles and cuddle toys) for any child aged 0-18 years who is displaced from home.”