I think you would agree that this has been quite a year, the likes of which none of us expected. So many people and businesses have struggled to keep going but I am pleased to say that Aussie Heroes has continued to provide support and encouragement to our troops even with the challenges thrown at us by bushfires, floods and COVID 19.  

In 2019 we sent off 1233 quilts and 2553 laundry bags. 

In spite of bushfires, floods and COVID we managed to exceed those numbers in 2020.  

We sent off over 1472 quilts and an amazing number of laundry bags……

a total of 6972 laundry bags which includes more than 3000 for troops on Operation COVID Assist. Just one of our army chaplains has handed out over 3220 laundry bags for COVID Assist this year.  What a huge achievment on the part of the volunteers who have been tirelessly sewing for us. 

A massive thanks goes out to all of our volunteers who have kept busy all year making quilts and bags.   

I would also like to give a special mention to Clarissa, Alex, Lisa, Catherine, Kylie and Courtney for stepping  up to take on the administration roles, keeping Aussie Heroes running whilst I concentrate on my cancer treatment. 

It looks like I have another year of treatment ahead of me which will take up most of 2021 so their help will continue to be essential to the running of the organisation.  Thank you so much for all the support and kind encouragement they have received via emails and messages.  The admin jobs are constant and demanding but they are made so much easier when the ladies know that what they are doing is appreciated, not just by me, but by those of you who sew for us. 

I also want to thank the members of our Board of Directors who have continued to support us this year.  I look forward to a bright future for Aussie Heroes in the years to come.

2021 is the year of our 10th Anniversary and we will be having a fabulous weekend in Canberra to celebrate that milestone. Standby for dates and details sometime in February. As I will be out of action most of the year, we are blessed to have an awesome experienced events team who are gearing up to get the Celebration Weekend up and running. 

 Here’s wishing all of us a safe, happy and healthy 2021. I think we are all due for a good year, dont you?

Till then…. happy stitching! And Happy New Year!!!

Love

Jan-Maree xx