Every Wednesday morning, the lights are switched on in the clothing room just at the entrance to the Compassion Soup Kitchen.  Here, Sister Josefa sets up the sewing machines and begins preparing the materials she’ll be using that day.

The idea of these sewing sessions originated around six years ago, to offer support to whānau who needed clothing repairs, or other practical help. Many were already coming in daily for breakfast and dinner.

“The sewing machine was set up with the idea of helping whānau. They can come here and do some sewing. That was how it all began, the original idea was to support whānau,” explains Sister Josefa.

At first, the most pressing need was to source the necessary materials and equipment, but it wasn’t long before good news arrived. “When we first started, we received a sewing machine, materials, and everything we needed through generous donations” she recalls. Once everything was in place, the initial goal was to promote the sessions and encourage whānau to come along and to get them interested in sewing.

Later on, thanks to the generosity of supporters, four more sewing machines were donated, allowing more people to take part. And it has been a real success.

“Now, when whānau come, many of them are confident enough to use the machines themselves, but I am here to help them if they need it” says Sister Josefa.  “They can fix their own clothes and some are even kind enough to help with making bags for the Home of Compassion to raise funds. In this way, they give something back and achieve something positive”.  The tote bags are sold at the Home of Compassion shop, with all funds going back into supporting the mission.  Bags made by whānau have a special label inside, which acknowledges their contribution.

“I’m happy because every now and then, some whānau come and play music during a session.  They all know they can come and the sewing machines will be available. We will be here to help them”, Sister Josefa adds with a smile.