At the heart of our community is Carol, a dedicated volunteer whose passion for sustainability and helping others led to the creation of A Stitch in Time—a free mending program run through Addi Road. With a simple yet impactful mission, Carol provides anyone in the community with the opportunity to bring in clothing that needs minor alterations, mending, or patching, giving well-loved garments a second life instead of letting them end up in landfill.
Carol was introduced to Addi Road through a few close friends who were already volunteering at the Food Pantry. She first joined one of the cook-ups and soon after began working in the pantry alongside her friends. This remarkable group of women has also been volunteering at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse for over a decade, embodying a deep commitment to giving back. Carol, with her quick wit, warmth, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, quickly became a cherished member of the team. Her storytelling and sense of humor brighten every interaction.
After a year of volunteering, Carol transitioned to A Stitch in Time—a sewing program she conceived as a way to continue supporting the community while adapting to her physical capabilities. Working in the Food Pantry could be physically demanding, and at 82, she recognised the need to listen to her body. Determined to stay involved, she created a program that allowed her to remain an integral part of the team, strengthening bonds with both long-time friends and new volunteers she had grown close to over the year.
Sustainability is a core value for both Addi Road and Carol. Seeing so many people discard clothing due to minor imperfections, she sought to change that. By mending and hemming garments, she breathes new life into them, reducing waste and ensuring high-quality donated clothing can be cherished once more. For Carol, mending clothes is more than just a practical service—it’s an act of care, a way to nurture the community, and something that comes naturally to her.
The process is simple and accessible to all: community members can drop off their clothing at the Addi Road Food Pantry in Camperdown throughout the week. On Friday mornings, Carol carefully stitches and repairs each piece with skill and dedication. By 12 PM, customers can return to collect their freshly mended garments, as good as new.
Carol has been sewing for over 70 years. She worked in the sewing industry at a time when most manufacturing in Australia was still done by hand. She began working while balancing the demands of motherhood, even while breastfeeding, an experience that instilled in her an incredible work ethic.
For Carol, volunteering is deeply fulfilling. It allows her to use her lifelong skills to help others while fostering meaningful connections. But beyond the work itself, her favourite part is the camaraderie—spending time each week with both old friends and new ones. Being part of such an incredible team keeps her coming back week after week, and her contributions continue to enrich the community in immeasurable ways.
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Story by Katie Scarf.
Photo: Carol at work mending garments with fellow volunteer Jen.
Please note: our community mending service ‘A Stitch in Time’ happens @Addi Road Food Pantry Camperdown.