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Lockheed Martin Australia has furthered the company’s commitment to Australia’s current and former service personnel, announcing a three-year sponsorship of Aussie Hero Quilts.
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The organisation supports the morale and wellbeing of the defence community, coordinating volunteers from across the country to make quilts and laundry bags for current and former service members.
This includes those who are in compassionate need, having experienced physical or mental injury.
The $30,000 sponsorship over the next three years has been earmarked to support the organisation’s overheads, which includes materials and postage.
“We are honoured to support Aussie Hero Quilts. The quilts and laundry bags positively impact on the morale, and more importantly the mental health and wellbeing, of our servicepeople and veterans,” Warren McDonald, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Australia, said.
“These gifts are a tangible reminder to defence members that the Australian community appreciates their service, and the sacrifice that their service has asked of them and their loved ones.”
According to founder and managing director of Aussie Hero Quilts Jan-Maree Ball, the organisation hopes to show Australia’s appreciation to current and former ADF personnel.
“What started as a small group from my quilting network, we now have over 200 volunteer members nationally who give their time and money to buy the required material and make the quilts and laundry bags,” she said.
“One Australian Army Officer told us that receiving his quilt when he was at rock bottom gave him the momentum he needed to turn his life around. Another serving member explained that having the quilt with her in hospital made her feel safe.
“We also provide Fallen Warrior Quilts to the family of those who lost their life during or after their service.”
With the uptick in domestic and humanitarian operations, the quilts and laundry bags have found a renewed and important role supporting members in Australia and overseas.
“We have supported specialist groups, such as our Australian Defence Force medical professionals whose expertise was relied upon during COVID-19, and members deployed at short notice to assist with the Afghanistan evacuation,” she continued.
[Related: Lockheed Martin Australia recognises student achievement for second year running]
