Gallery: Colourful display showcases Sunshine Linus' mission
Colourful quilts, handmade crafts and specialty displays filled Nambour Uniting Church when Sunshine Linus held its 2026 open day on Saturday, August 1.
The event showcased the work of the volunteer organisation, which transforms donated materials into handmade items for people experiencing illness, trauma, disadvantage or hardship.
Visitors browsed quilts, crafts and gifts, along with displays by patchwork and craft vendors. The day also featured raffles and morning tea, with purchases helping Sunshine Linus continue supporting community organisations throughout the year.
Sunshine Linus was established by Judie Bellingham in 2010 and brings together volunteers who turn donated fabric, yarn, haberdashery and other craft supplies into practical and comforting items.
The group produces quilts, blankets, clothing, sensory items and weighted comfort products, which are distributed free of charge through hospitals, children’s wards, dialysis units, nursing homes, hospices, rehabilitation centres, respite facilities, special schools and disability support organisations.
It also provides handmade quilts to charities for use in fundraising raffles and events.
Sunshine Linus welcomes experienced quilters, knitters and sewers, as well as people without crafting experience who can contribute in other ways.
Donated materials are made available to volunteers free of charge, ensuring people are not prevented from participating because they cannot afford supplies.
Unlike many craft groups, Sunshine Linus does not hold competitions or award prizes. Its focus is solely on creating items for people and organisations in need.
Its model also gives quality craft materials a second life, preventing usable supplies from going to landfill while providing volunteers with connection, purpose and an opportunity to use their skills to help others.
Over the past 16 years, Sunshine Linus volunteers have made and donated thousands of items to community organisations and people facing difficult circumstances.
Proceeds from the Nambour open day will help the organisation continue providing handmade comfort items to hospitals, aged-care facilities, palliative-care services, domestic violence refuges and other community organisations.
• For more information about Sunshine Linus, email sunshinelinus@gmail.com.
