The Simple Gift of a Bag initiative started eight years ago when Lauri Fettell and her family rallied together to form the group after Lauri received a hand-made carrying pouch for her drainage bag during her breast cancer journey. 

“Lauri’s plan for the future was to send out breast cancer surgery drainage bags as a gift to help and support so many going through very similar journeys,” says her mother, Sandra Williams, who has helped make the dream a reality.

The volunteer group are marking October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month by holding their third sewing, cutting and making day of drainage bags for breast cancer surgery patients in post operative care.

Sandra is inviting everyone to come along and help this year with plenty to do, even if you don’t sew, but urges people who are unwell to refrain from attending.

The event will be held at Kiama Downs Surf Club, and all bags made will be donated to hospitals across Australia.

Helpers at an earlier working bee

“There is folding and cutting out the bags before they are sewn, and ironing before they are packed. We also add a small card to each bag for the patients, so there is ribbon cutting and attaching to the cards to be done. General help is always welcome,” Sandra says.

The group has now donated over 19,600 bags and Sandra thanks all the volunteers who helped make this happen, and the Surf Club for their support.

“It is with such wonderful support that we are able to continue to make and send out the drainage bags to those in need,” she says.

15 October, Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club, 9.30-4pm.

If you are interested in attending contact Sandra at [email protected]