It’s a wrap - Skye quilters come together for great charity effort

A group of talented quilters and knitters from Skye have used their skills to raise funds for SCIAF.

Pola Livesey attends St Mary’s in Portree and heard about a ’60 for 60’ fundraiser for SCIAF, which celebrated its 60^th anniversary last year.

Pola said:

“Initially when Fr. Michael spoke to us about the work of SCIAF, being a quilter I thought of making a banner…. Then I realised you already have banners!! So… then I imagined 60 people making 60 things.

“Really all I had to do was speak to all my friends- who are mostly, quilters, knitters and generally amazing crafters.  When I brought up the subject of ‘60 for 60,’ the response was instantaneous - a resounding ‘YES!’ And ‘what do you need?

“I am a member of Skye Quilters - a group of very talented and wonderful women - most of whom are not practicing Christians. No matter. I did explain that the charity was a Catholic charity… their response was ‘it doesn’t matter… it’s for the good of some of the poorest people on earth!’ And they set to work.”

Pola is also a member of Dunvegan Ladies, who meet once a month - and again the response was a resounding ‘Yes!’

From there, it officially became a beautiful, ecumenical effort.

Pola said:

“Interestingly the quilters met at the back room of St. Mary’s church - we grew in numbers and moved to a bigger venue - yet another church - the Shepherds Way Church, which is Free Church of Scotland. The Dunvegan Ladies meet at yet another church hall - the Dunvegan Community Fellowship! We are made so welcome wherever we meet!”

Once all 60 items were ready, Pola and her friends held a 60 for 60 sale in St Mary’s, raising an amazing £524.

SCIAF’s Jenna Fulton said: “60 for 60 was a special challenge created to mark SCIAF’s 60^th Anniversary, inviting supporters to take on a fundraising activity built around the 60 years SCIAF has been supporting our sisters and brothers in need across the world.

“Whether that was running 60 miles, baking 60 cakes or, as Pola and her community in Skye have shown so beautifully, crafting 60 wonderful handmade items. 

“It’s been truly inspiring to see how initiatives like this, and of course, those like Pola who are leading them, have brought people from various faiths and backgrounds together to respond in love, and solidarity for those who are most in need around the world. Thank you and well done to Pola and everyone who helped make this possible! You are incredible!”

Pola said:

“I must also mention members of my own St. Mary’s - who again responded by their crafting and their generosity! This has been a most uplifting experience - and the spinoff has been unquestionably a renewal of deeper friendships!”