Threads of kindness at Caloundra

At Caloundra Rise Retirement Estate, a small group of residents is making a big difference, one stitch at a time.

May Thomas and fellow residents Pat Davies and Pat Burton have been contributing to the community through their involvement in the Uniforms 4 Kids program.

This innovative initiative repurposes donated uniforms from Queensland Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and Ambulance into practical, much-needed clothing for children and others in need.

Since joining the program in late 2025, these ladies at Caloundra Rise have created around a dozen handmade items, including girls’ dresses, boys’ shirts, library bags and even laundry bags for people experiencing homelessness.

Each item is thoughtfully crafted, using at least 70 per cent of the donated uniform material, with colourful fabrics added to bring a sense of fun and individuality to every piece.

For May, the inspiration to get involved came through her connection to Caloundra Uniting Church, where a larger group was already supporting the initiative. “Seeing the impact the program was having, I thought why not bring this into the village and invite others to be part of it too?” she said.

The initiative has extended beyond the retirement village, with residents from our neighbouring Caloundra Residential Aged Care home also playing a role. Over the past year, 15 aged care residents have contributed by sorting and unpicking uniforms, supporting the sewing process and helping give new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Uniforms 4 Kids is a world-first program with a powerful purpose – to provide unique clothing to children in need, reduce landfill, and strengthen community connections. To date, more than 55,000 items have been distributed to charities, domestic violence shelters and remote communities across Australia.

This simple yet meaningful initiative reflects the strong sense of purpose and generosity within the Caloundra community. Through creativity, collaboration and a shared desire to give back, residents are transforming everyday materials into something truly impactful, bringing comfort, dignity and a little joy to those who need it most.