June 25, 2025
Residents of Lutheran Services’ Orana Aged Care in Kingaroy are feeling a lot cosier despite the winter weather after a generous gift of 21 handmade quilts.
Nanango quiltmaker Judith Grimes (probably better known for her many history books about the South Burnett) said the quilts had been sewn by members of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as well as other volunteer quilters in the Kingaroy community.
“We delivered the quilts to Orana where residents could choose their own and they were so grateful, it was touching,” Dr Grimes said.
“One resident asked, ‘Is it really for me? Can I keep it on my bed?’.”
The group started in October last year to learn sewing but the women quickly turned their hand to quilt making.
“Orana Aged Care donated two boxes of scrap material and from that we started making quilts,’’ Dr Grimes said.
“The first quilt we made was for an Orana resident who is participant in our group. Once the women began sewing quilts it was hard to stop. Five quilts resulted from the two boxes of material, and it just grew.
“Members donated extra material and others in the extended community who heard what we were doing gave us their unfinished quilts to complete.’’
Five members are regularly involved in the sewing group but their work isn’t done as there are another six quilts in production, destined for Orana.
“It made all of us feel good to see how much joy the quilts brought to the Orana residents. Their eyes just lit up.”
Orana Aged Care manager Bruce Bryan said the quilts had made residents feel extra special and would be treasured.
“The team at Orana Aged Care were touched by the thoughtful donation to our residents, so much time and kindness has been put into each quilt,’’ he said.
“We are dedicated to fostering a strong sense of purpose for our residents and this initiative is another way to create meaningful connections within the community.’’
