Quilts for Keeps

Quilts for sick children and their siblings

After twelve months of planning, Quilts for Keeps was launched on 1st April 2002. The project was planned so that each child diagnosed with cancer at The Childrens’ Hospital, Westmead would have the opportunity to choose a quilt (to keep).

Hope and encouragement

The aim was to send a message of hope, encouragement and warmth from the quilter to the child and their family during a difficult time of their lives.

Expansion of project

Due to the amazing generosity of the quilters of Australia, we have been able to expand our project. Where appropriate the “well siblings” are also able to choose a quilt. These children suffer as a result of the family disruption associated with the investigation and treatment required for the child with cancer.

Of course there are other severely or chronically ill children at the hospital who would also benefit from receiving a quilt. It is exciting that these children are now included in our project. Children included are those with cystic fibrosis, liver and kidney transplants, blood disorders, brain injured, those with genetic disorders, those injured in motor vehicle accidents, burns and so on.

More children to benefit

A short while ago the project was again expanded so now Children at The Sydney Childrens’ Hospital, Randwick also have an opportunity to choose a quilt.

How does the project work?

Each quilt is photographed, labelled and catalogued. A photograph is placed in an album (we have three albums at Westmead Childrens’ Hospital and one album at The Sydney Childrens’ Hospital).

After a child chooses a quilt from the album, the photo is removed and matched with the catalogued quilt. The quilt is then delivered to the hospital with a label and in a bag with washing instructions attached. A team of volunteers produces the bags for the project.

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