Women’s Refuge
We were blessed to have representatives from the Women’s refuge join us for our AGM as our speakers. Phillipps, manager of the Māori ward, and Ange, manager of the Wellington area, explained their services. They provide a lot of services, including crisis lines and advocacy services, assistance to access counselling and financial services, and access to safe houses.
Wellington Quilters have been providing quilts for Women’s refuge for a very lomg time though we’re unsure just how long. Refuge has been in practice for 45 years, WQG is 35 years this October. Ange has worked for Refuge for 20 years and has been receiving our quilts the whole time.
The Māori ward and Wellington share the quilts between them. They have storage shelves filled with quilts and are usually shared with the women at the last conversation, as they’re embarking on a safe life. If the conversation happens at the office the women get the pick of quilts. If it’s happening at their home, the workers take a selection. They have a good method of matching the quilt to its owner- by paying attention to their favourite colour and preferred decor. In this way they’re able to ensure that modern quilts or traditional quilts get to the right people.
Somehow our members make a good balance of quilts sizes, colours and styles so we don’t need to adjust. We are successfully meeting needs.
Our members asked how else we can help. The top answers were for volunteers- training is included and positions are available on the website. They’re in need of chest of drawers in good condition to be donated. There is also the annual appeal coming up in the last Friday of July needing collectors. We will be appealing for collectors through our newsletter.
Our members were also concerned with the safety of infants being born while at the safe house. While this isn’t too common it does happen and is very exciting. Our infant quilts are used in these times, as well as items donated through other means.
We had heard that some teenagers were unable to access the shelters. This is a case by case situation, but even where someone cannot stay at the safehouse they are assisted to find a suitable place to live and are not simply kicked out as rumour may have it. We also learnt about funds available to keep kids in their sports or other programs to try keep stability during this time of life.
We also asked about the safety of pets and were reassured the refuge works with local shelters to keep animals safe until the family is able to look after them again.
We presented Ange and Phillippa with more quilts for the refuge, and a thank you for coming to speak to us.
We then had our AGM and say some changes in the positions. Full AGM minutes will be available via email to our members shortly.
We closed with show and tell.
