27/05/2026
REPATCHED PARTNERSHIP
For the last 3-4 years a group of our members have been meeting regularly to help cook hearty Italian meals for the needy. They prepare the between 80-120 meals on three weekly basis and freeze them to be distributed by St Vinnies to people in the Greater Fremantle area. From this association we have “branched out” and extended partnership to St Pat’s Community stores in Fremantle.
We have provided 200 sleeping bags to be handed out to homeless residents of Fremantle, with another 200 on the way. Also, sanitary and toiletry products for care and wellness packs distributed to needy.
Just over 12 months ago we were approached to help if we could with a new program called “Repatched”. It creates a friendly sewing environment, where ladies can meet and repurpose old clothing and materials that would otherwise be unsellable in welfare shops. Items such as old men’s suits, jeans and denim jackets, materials and clothes are pulled apart and restitched into one off originals. Which are then sold through community stores. The programs not only provide merchandise and cashflow for stores but give a sense of purpose and opportunity to display artist talents.
They required a new heavy duty sewing machine to allow them to restitch denim and heavy jackets. Tina Bill, OP shops Manager for St Pat’s, heard about our support of other programs and asked if we could assist. Due to some diligent hunting by Tina, one machine became 2 secondhand machines and an overlocker. This greatly improved their capacity and output.
Late 2025 saw St Pat’s faced with an issue, their long-time landlord, required to take back premises that they rented. This meant the program and store had to be relocated. A great property was found in Market Street Fremantle. It provides a well-located site with great floor area and an upstairs area that will allow them to increase work area and capacity of Repatched program. All good, but the new area allocated to Repatched was unairconditioned and would provide an oppressive work area in warmer months and a freezing workspace in cooler months. The cost of buying and installing a reverse cycle air conditioner was high and whilst possible, would drain their already tight cashflow.
In response to enquiry from Tina, the Lions Club of Bull Creek decided to fully fund the air conditioner. This would allow them to more than double their number of participants and output. Being a win-win for St Pat’s and the people participating.
Members of the Lions Club had the pleasure of attending the official opening the store and visiting the Repatched workspace. Teresa, Lynette, Barbara and Janine enjoyed the festivities and fashion parade of garments made using our machines.
