Quilter plans to warm the homeless

WITH a desire to give back to the community, Ballarat Table Hire’s Jodi Batstra is seeking pre-loved woollies she can get creative with.

In support of the city’s homeless population, the small business operator is requesting donations of old blankets, doonas, and winter sheets that are clean and in a good recyclable condition.

“I’m going to make quilts for the pop-up shop for the homeless, so I’m asking the community for anything that can be made into a quilt,” Ms Batstra said.

A quilter of nearly two years, Ms Batstra enjoys the process of making something special, unique and cosy that can be gifted to another person for them to keep, use, and treasure.

As part of the initiative supporting Ballarat’s homeless community, she will also gratefully accept fresh pillow stuffing, and cushion covers that could be upcycled and decorated with different fabrics or embroidered with messages of hope.

Ms Batstra will also take donations of essential baby goods, to boost the pop-up shop’s stock of supplies for young families in need.

“All I’m doing is trying to make people feel a bit more happy about themselves, even if they’re not in the best situation.

“If people are homeless, they deserve something nice to pick them up and get them going again,” she said.

“I’m hoping to offer them some encouragement.”

Ballarat Table Hire is a locally run enterprise, and a regular contributor to the Ballarat Market.

Contact 0481 717 897 for more information and updates on COVID safe drop-off locations if you’re interested in donating some items.