Quilting continues to impress

Congratulations to the Quilt Stitch Group at ARWCF who have been nominated for the 2012’s Big ‘A’ Prison Arts Community Awards.  The winners will be announced in a ceremony to be held in Parliament’s Banquet Hall in mid-July.  

The Quilt Stitch ladies consistently demonstrate great commitment, skill, patience, resiliency and professionalism in their work with the women.  Sewing skills are typically being lost to this generation, however these ladies are ensuring the women prisoners are empowered to provide the basics for themselves and their whanau.  Further skills in literacy, numeracy, role modelling, communication and teamwork are also being practiced. 

Volunteer Coordinator Francine Benefield reports that the ladies help improve the morale and confidence of the women. “The activity translates into a high calibre constructive activity provided by the group representing their community,” Francine says. 

A donation of 40 quilts was made to Middlemore Hospital in early May.