Grace Richards
- Location:
- Ashgrove
Grace Richards has brought happiness to hundreds of seriously ill children and their parents through her colourful and creative quilts that bring joy and security to whoever they envelop.
These ‘blankets of love’, produced by the ladies of the Linus Quilts Project, are a great source of comfort for sick children who bring them to hospital for each overnight stay. It’s not unusual for Grace to produce 10 of these quilts in a month. She even purchases the materials from her pension and has bought several different types of computerised sewing machines so she can continue her charity work, which includes making quilts for SIDS parents.
Grace is a natural leader. In 1984 she became a founding member of the Queensland Quilters Association, and was later awarded life membership for her services to the community. Her quilt projects are now recognised as being of national importance by the state and federal governments.
Grace’s lifelong passion for sewing and volunteering has empowered countless families. Her many years of making school uniforms for needy children and mending garments for hospital patients, demonstrate her willingness to help her community, something she has done for more than 42 years.
Her talents also extend to the culinary. Grace joined the Queensland Girl Guides Association where she became quartermaster cook for large guiding and scouting events, and she has also spent many years working as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
Now in her 85th year Grace shows no sign of slowing down. Her quilts continue to comfort the sick and are a testament to her sense of purpose and support for those in need.
Last updated: 19 August 2008.