What began as a suggestion from a cancer survivor looking to connect with others through craft, has grown into a vibrant community of around 30 members who continue to raise funds and provide invaluable support for Choices.  

One of the group's founding members, Barbara, has been part of the journey from the beginning and has witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact the group has made.  

"I began working for Choices in the year after Kim Walters passed away and after Dr Cheryl Hirst established Choices," Barbara said.

"We ran exercise classes and support services and during one of these sessions, one of our wonderful ladies, Ronwynne, came to me with a suggestion to start a craft group. She believed exploring craft ideas could help people in their recovery and create friendships beyond cancer."

Barbara remembers Ronwynne as the driving force behind the group's formation.

"Ronwynne was the most positive and energetic person I have known. Her love and creativity knew no bounds," she said. 

From humble beginnings meeting in various rooms across the hospital precinct, including the heritage-listed Moorlands House, the craft group flourished.

Over the years, members have organised major fundraising events, including quilt shows which attracted more than 160 exhibitors and raised $7,000 in its first year. The second event drew 300 exhibitors and raised more than $8,000.

The group also staged a series of fashion parades featuring women who had experienced breast cancer. What began as a small event in the Wesley Breast Clinic attended by around 40 people eventually grew into a celebration of resilience attended by more than 600 guests at Brisbane's Greek Club.

"We ran fashion shows, craft markets and fundraising events in our homes," Barbara said.

"Bridge to Brisbane became popular with our members too, and we even had participants involved again this year." 

Their passion soon inspired a new chapter, with popular Christmas craft markets and Mother's Day stalls becoming annual favourites among the hospital’s patients, visitors and staff.  

Today, the group's impact extends far beyond fundraising.

Members create and donate handmade drain bags for breast cancer patients, heart-shaped cushions for cardiac patients and gifts that support the work of The Wesley’s pastoral care team.  

"We create items throughout the year and preparation for our Christmas event starts as early as June. It keeps us very busy, but it's something we all enjoy because we know it makes a difference," Barbara said.

The group has also embraced sustainability, building strong relationships with charities, community groups and generous donors who provide fabric, wool and other materials that would otherwise go to waste.

As the craft group celebrates its 25-year milestone, Barbara credits the enduring success of the group to the dedication, generosity and friendship of its members, both past and present. 

“That includes our partners who do lots of the heavy lifting and provide support throughout the year, especially during preparation for the Christmas market.

"We've built friendships that have lasted decades and supported each other through life's ups and downs."

For Barbara, the lasting legacy of the Sisters and Friends Craft Group is not only measured in funds raised or items donated, but in the countless lives touched along the way.

"What started as a small group of women coming together through craft became so much more," she said.

"It's a community, a support network and a place where friendships flourish. After 25 years, that spirit is still as strong as ever."

Congratulations to the Choices Sisters and Friends Craft Group on 25 years of dedicated service, friendship and support for The Wesley Hospital community.

Read more about the history of Choices and how the service supports people affected by cancer.