Meet Camille.

This Brisbane born, Canberra local has known more than her fair share of loss, and is turning that grief into giggles. 

Camille is the crafter of a quirky collection of cushion monsters and Scottish dogs, each one lovingly handmade from recycled fabric.

“My crafts are made from upcycled upholstery fabric samples. I love being able to save items from landfill and bring a bit of crazy and smiles to others. These are some of the teddies I’ve made recently.” she says.

Her donations are more than just adorable; they’ve been created with purpose.

You see, in a short space of time, Camille lost so much. Her mother, then her sister and even her beloved Scottish Terriers.

Then more recently, her partner was suddenly diagnosed with cancer. 

One quiet afternoon at the hospital, navigating yet another long and difficult day, Camille spotted our small but powerful corner, the Donation Station. It was stocked with comfort - blankets, beanies, soft toys - all free to anyone who needed a lift while receiving care. Then, something clicked. Camille went home that night and started to sew.

Service is nothing new to Camille, currently working in Defence she is looking forward to retiring next year. She says her sewing project is a way to continue to give back and carry something meaningful into her next chapter.

A month after discovering the Donation Station, Camille returned not as a visitor, but as a giver. In her arms were a bundle of bright, whimsical cushion creatures, each one made with her late loved ones in mind. She laughed, telling us she was certain her mum, sister, and pups were somewhere having a giggle at her latest handiwork.

Before we at Canberra Hospital Foundation knew Camille’s full story, her creatures found their way to the level 11 wards - a place where a little joy goes a long way. This is the area of the hospital where some dementia patients receive care. When Camille learned that these wards were the Aged Care wards, her donation became all the more meaningful; her mum had been in the same area of care. It was a full-circle moment.

“Knowing that my toys were going to the dementia ward, often the forgotten ones, warmed my heart.” 

Camille’s cushion creatures are more than fabric and stuffing - they're comfort, joy, and legacy all wrapped up in soft, silly form.

If your in-kind donation has a story behind it, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at connect@chfoundation.org.au, or give back through the Donation Station: