Queensland Grandmother Devotes Hours to Knitting Purple Poppies for War Animals
A dedicated Queensland grandmother is spending more than five hours each day knitting purple poppies to raise awareness for the often-overlooked animals that served alongside Australian troops in wartime. Trish Hansen, 79, from Bundaberg, says that approximately 90 per cent of people are unaware of what the purple poppy symbolises, and she is passionately committed to changing this widespread lack of knowledge.
Purple Poppy Day Approaches to Honour Animal Sacrifices
Next Tuesday, February 24, marks Purple Poppy Day, an annual occasion dedicated to honouring and remembering the countless animals that have served in conflicts. Hansen emphasises that the recognition extends beyond just horses and dogs to include a diverse range of creatures such as camels, donkeys, and even pigeons, all of whom played crucial roles in military efforts.
"It's not just horses, not just dogs, you know, camels, donkeys and the little pigeons," Hansen explained, highlighting the broad scope of animal contributions that deserve remembrance.
Volunteer Efforts Through Legacy in Bundaberg
As a devoted volunteer with Legacy in Bundaberg, Hansen has been tirelessly knitting hundreds of purple poppies and distributing them to the local community. Ken Parker from Legacy Bundaberg noted that Hansen is always seen knitting at their meetings, whether crafting red poppies or the distinctive purple ones, showcasing her unwavering dedication to the cause.
"At all our meetings, she's always knitting something, whether it be red poppies or a purple poppy," Parker said, praising her consistent efforts.
Future Goals and Community Engagement
Looking ahead, Hansen has ambitious plans to expand her initiative by involving local schools in the coming year. She envisions assembling a group of volunteers to create and distribute purple poppies to every school, fostering greater awareness among younger generations.
"I might be able to get a band of ladies together to make purple poppies to give out to every school. That would be wonderful," she expressed optimistically.
Encouraging Donations and Volunteerism
Hansen does not charge for the poppies she knits. Instead, she encourages recipients to consider donating to the Australian War Memorial Organisation or to explore volunteering opportunities themselves. She passionately advocates for the value of volunteer work, describing it as an immensely rewarding experience that cannot be quantified in monetary terms.
"Volunteering is invaluable. You can't put a price on it. Look, it's so rewarding," Hansen stated, urging others to contribute to meaningful causes in their own ways.
