As always, our flock like to leave behind a contribution to the local community and charities. Our crafty crows will once again leave a donation of crocheted, knitted and sewn rugs to be distributed within the Riverina area.  We are so grateful for your time and expertise in creating these beautiful articles with such warmth and love.

Each year Stone the Crows Festival and the members of the flock support charities through cash donations, knitted and crocheted rugs, beanies and scarves and more. Some groups have taken advantage of the opportunity to join our food vendors and others have assisted by catering for our Volunteers’ Thank You BBQ.

Some of the charities we have worked with include:

  • Mullaguldrie Veterans Retreat
  • Wagga Wagga South City Mens’ shed
  • Breast Cancer Support Group
  • Salvation Army
  • CanAssist
  • Lions Club of South Wagga

In 2019, our Festival covered from Easter to Anzac Day, so it was appropriate to include charities who support our veterans and their families as well as Ronald McDonald House. These groups will receive our Crafty donations as well as donations from Open Day activities (e.g. buskers) and our raffle.

The major fundraising went to the Vietnam Veterans Association for their Murraguldrie Retreat. A net total of $2214.00 was utilised as per the following letter:

Thank you for the Stone the Crows Donation of $2214.00.

These funds have been utilised to purchase a container to store a small tractor and maintenance equipment for the Veterans’ Murraguldrie Retreat.  A concrete pad has been built and the container placed  on the pad, which has a ramp for tractor access.  Electricity has been connected to the container. The site is maintained by volunteers and by our members.

The site is located just off the highway on the Tumbarumba Road to provide accommodation for any of the services family with their stay costs being by donation.

Our members appreciate your contribution to the Retreat.

Regards – Tony Pallett (Hon. Secretary)

The major prize was an ANZAC themed bed quilt made by Chrissy (won in the silent auction by Lyn and Pat).

Thanks must go to the vendors and individuals who have donated towards our raffles. To our crafty ladies (and guys) who have knitted, crocheted and sewn various rugs, scarves and beanies on their travels (and at home), your creations go to deserving people who appreciate the love taken to make them.

Here is one such letter from the recipients of previous articles:

Thank you so much for the beautiful crocheted blankets. Thanks also for the monetary donation towards our work.  Your kind donations to us are much appreciated.
We endeavour to place these donated items appropriately, where they will be appreciated within the Wagga Wagga community.

Please know that your donation will make a difference in many lives.
Yours sincerely
Margaret Plowman
Wagga Wagga Corps – The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern Territory

and there was a Certificate of Appreciation attached. Nice one all you knitters and crocheters!