Hello folks… its been a long time since I updated the blog! Probably has something to do with the fact that the number of quilts donated to KeepSafe Quilts went from about 60 to over 100 in a fairly quick timeframe! I’m getting back into updating all things KeepSafe, including recording all of the quilts that have been donated along the way.

Today, though, I wanted to talk about an organisation doing some amazing things for community projects and whose aim is to support people who are homeless or at risk – including women and kids forced to flee to domestic violence refuges and safe houses. StreetSmart Australia is an organisation who believes that no one should be without a safe and secure place to call home. StreetSmart works to support the homeless and to end homelessness in Australia.

StreetSmart was started back in 2003, by CEO Adam Robinson. The organisation seeks to break down prejudices surrounding homelessness and to raise vital funds for local community organisations by partnering with local business (funds are fed back into projects that are close to where they were raised!) like cafes and restaurants.

When Adam contacted me to ask me to submit an application for a grant, I thought he must have had the wrong number! I had always thought of KeepSafe Quilts as a little quilting project that I had started when I felt so helpless in the face of all the domestic homicide and violence this country was experiencing. I wasn’t even sure how Adam knew about what we do!

I know that the work we do, though, has a positive impact on the lives of women and children who flee violent intimate partners (with little more than the clothes on their backs) to live in safe houses and refuges. To have something handmade, with love, that provides the comfort of home and brightens their days is one of the best gifts we can give.

I submitted an application and was fortunate to receive a grant of $1,000. The money has been so vital to our continued growth – allowing us to buy supplies for the upcoming charity quilt making day, pay for a storage unit for donated fabric and postage to send out the quilts across Australia.  I’m just so grateful to this wonderful organisation and everything they do to support community projects and the homeless or at risk.

WHAT CAN I DO?

“What can I do?” I hear you ask. Well – there are a couple of things.

The next time you want to grab a coffee or go our for dinner, find out where your nearest CafeSmart or DineSmart location is – probably a cafe or restaurant close by – and go there frequently (or even nag your favourite cafe to become a supporter)! That way, you get your coffee and you get to support this amazing business!

Much love

Jackie xx