Because of the Covid-19 restrictions much ground work was required to prepare for the meeting. Of course the day's organisation was a team effort but special thanks to Marion, Jenny, Janet, Jan and Sue, who worked tirelessly to make sure everything was done safely and in an orderly way! Marion and Jan also spent a great deal of time liaising with the church regarding the requirements around Covid-19, part of which required them to get certification through an online course.
Sue and her husband Phil generously agreed to store most of the donated items in their garage prior to the meeting and then transport them to the church hall on the day. The donated goods filled an 8' x 5' trailer plus the back of their station wagon!
Hand sanitizing stations were set up for entry and exit and Susan, Marion and Jenny made sure the floor was marked for social distancing requirements.
Janet was responsible for checking and organising the registration of all attendees and distributing name badges and job descriptions to those members who were assisting with the set-up.
Sharon and Jenny made sure that all the labels were in place for the donated items.
Then of course it was 'all hands on deck' to set up all the tables and items for drop off and collection.
Margaret, Sue and Glorianne arranged all the donated goods for the 'freebie' tables and of course there were boxes and boxes of stuff as everyone had the time during lock-down to have a good clean out and de-clutter!
Kaye sorted and prepared the patchwork and sensory fabrics ready for collection.
Once everything was in place the first of the scheduled attendees arrived to drop off their donated items and check out the massive amount of goods on the 'freebie' table!
Susan helped out in the kitchen by serving a 'cuppa' to the busy workers.
Kaye set about measuring and cutting the wadding for the quilt makers.
And yes, there was still time for a chat with social distancing rules in place of course!
Although there was no official 'show and tell', Pam and Irene couldn't resist showing their lock-down efforts! Jenny from Noosa had made 2 blocks from a 'Block of the Month' program but was unable to complete the quilt so Pam and Irene decided to join forces to complete a very cute Australian animal themed quilt!
One more item of special mention, Sunshine Linus received this gorgeous 'Find Me' quilt from Elaine W (who was unable to attend today's meeting). It shows Australian animals and birds and hidden cards that have to be matched to the same embroidered picture.
By 11am the second team of helpers had arrived and it was time to start sorting and packing the items for distribution.
The 'Quilts' team had everything under control as they checked and sorted the quilts.
The 'Yarners' were looking quite relaxed after their efforts sorting and packing.
By the end of the morning all the items for distribution were packed, labelled and ready for delivery.
Special thanks to Jenny's husband Charles who arrived in his 4 wheel drive at the end of the meeting to collect and store the many boxes of fabric left over from the 'freebie' table!
After a pack-up and clean-up session Susan thanked everyone for their efforts and a very successful meeting.
Some reminders:
- Sunshine Linus has been asked to make 300 masks for a not for profit group who work with disability clients. A small group of members are having a working bee to cut out and put sets together and will be seeking help from other members to make up the masks. Please do not go ahead and make masks before contacting Jenny as there are very specific requirements we have been asked to follow.
- Next month's meeting is on Monday August 31st and will follow the same format as July providing things don't change with COVID-19 restrictions.
- Please, NO MORE BEANIES, we have plenty!
