South West Rocks local Shirley Rogerson has been helping Macleay families in crisis for close to 30 years.
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She has recently been presented with a Certificate of Lifetime Membership from the South West Rocks Arts and Crafts Association for her work in the area over the decades.
Ms Rogerson moved to the Macleay 28 years ago and found a passion for quilting. She joined a group of like-minded women who now call themselves Friendly Patches.
Eventually, after gifting a number of quilts to family and friends, the ladies decided to help people in need.
"After a while, you realise there's no one left you know who you haven't given a quilt to so you do it for someone else, someone who needs it," Ms Rogerson said.
"We started raffling off the quilts we had made and also donated some to the Quilts for Keep at Westmead Hospital, but we really wanted to do the same thing for local people."
Ms Rogerson, along with the ladies from Friendly patches, began making quilts for families in crisis and donating them to locals in need.
"The whole group is really passionate about what we do for families in crisis within the local community.
"To know that you're making it for someone in need makes it even more special. A quilt isn't something to just throw over your bed, it can be a safety blanket and offer comfort to people who need it."
Ms Rogerson said receiving a Certificate of Lifetime Membership was a surprise.
"I'm very pleased to get the certificate, but that's not why I do this, I do it to help others and because I'm passionate about it.
"Some of the feedback and the stories we hear from people who have been given a quilt does make me tear up, it's wonderful to know how grateful some one is to receive something you've made."
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