Police, ambulance and even Australia Zoo uniforms have been recycled into more than 20,000 beautiful clothes and other items for children by a group of Cooroy women over the past five years, but now the women need help in the form of a permanent space in which to sew.
Since the Uniforms 4 Kids (U4K) program began in Cooroy, volunteers have repurposed old donated uniforms into an array of goods including unique clothes, hats, blankets, library bags and pencil cases that are in turn donated to charities, domestic violence shelters, remote communities and other children in need.
U4K spokeswoman Yvonne Pattinson said U4K had provided multiple benefits.
“This charity has developed into a wonderful opportunity for ladies in Cooroy to meet, make new friends, add a purpose to their lives, to renew or learn sewing skills all whilst helping children in need,“ she said.
In addition, U4K has engendered trust between emergency services and the community and has provided a new use for old uniforms while at the same time reducing landfill and inspiring the community to find creative ways to be more sustainable.
“Many law enforcement and emergency services are involved in the program. Volunteers make their uniforms into beautiful items which are given out by the law enforcement and emergency services members to children with a need,“ Yvonne said.
Cooroy is one of several U4K groups around Australia but one that have been “extremely successful“.
It has had a number of homes since it began.
“Our beginnings in Cooroy were humble but then the CWA allowed us to use their hall in the town centre,“ Yvonne said. “Later, we used a shop adjacent to IGA. This was great as we were easily accessible to our volunteers but also had a presence to spread the work of the charity. Unfortunately, this then was rented and we could no longer use this shop front.“
Since then the group has moved to the basement of the Uniting Church but storm damage during the recent floods forced another move and they have been offered a studio unit for minimal rent.
While they appreciate this offer the studio is out of town and many volunteers are elderly and cannot make the journey to the studio.
“Many of our volunteers are no longer able to attend the sewing groups we hold,“ Yvonne said.
“This is such a shame as we not only make items for children in need, but we provide an outlet for volunteers to build new networks, friendships and improve community social cohesion.
“We need a place where we can leave our machines and material permanently set up.“
If you can help U4K in Cooroy phone Yvonne on 04131333791 or email yvonne@uniforms4kids.com.au
