Quilts for Orphans Founders Story

My story with ‘Quilts for Orphans’ (QFO’s) began when I finished full time work and then wondered what I am going to do with the rest of my life! At the age of 52, breast cancer interrupted full time work and after 3 operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment, I was in no shape to go back to employment. So, I began making little dresses for the orphans in India which were delivered by teams on Mission trips from my church. I then went to the Russian side of our Missions and asked, ‘what can I do for them?’ They responded with the suggestion of beanies and scarves.

I set a goal of 1,000 and my daughter Rachel and our friend Inge, joined with me to make it happen. Other women heard about my endeavour and the bags of beanies and scarves came flooding in. When the number reached 3,000, I decided to go back to the Indian side of our missions and ask what else we could do. It was then that Helen, wife of Keith, founder of Christian Outreach Missions, said they would love a quilt.

Thus, in 2007, began the adventure with QFO’s. We started with three women, and we have grown from there! Parcels would arrive every month from quilters in the Northern Territory to Tasmania and even one from New Zealand.

A side benefit is the friendships which have grown amongst the ladies who come every month. When new ladies come, they feel welcomed and part of our vision from day one. Ladies, who are now retired and empty nesters, find a new purpose for the later years and this brings a new vigour, and ‘yes’ happiness.

- Gaynor Peterson
Founder Quilts for Orphans Australia