Yarrawonga Lions President Don McPhee with Turban Angel Mum Deb Van Corler holding the postage pack with the 70,000th turban in it.
In recent years, Lions volunteers across Yarrawonga, aptly named the Turban Angels, have been coming together to sew, pack and dispatch turbans for cancer patients.
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This month they are celebrating yet another significant milestone.
In July last year the Chronicle reported how these wonderful ladies had produced their 60,000th cancer product, with the ladies now going one step further just over a year later.
Since the project was launched by Yarrawonga Lions Club member Deb Van Corler in 2015, over 70,000 turbans have been distributed to oncology units all over Australia, and some overseas.
The project was founded by Deb, a cancer survivor herself. The club affectionately refers to Deb as the ‘Turban Mum’.
70,000 and counting: Yarrawonga’s own ‘Turban Angels were joined by the Yarrawonga Lions members at Belle’s Café last week to celebrate the distribution of 70,000 turbans and bandanas since 2015.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
“The Lions Turban Angels are a group of dedicated volunteers who come together to sew headwear for cancer patients who are going through dark stages of their lives,” Deb said.
“The beautifully crafted turbines have now brightened the lives of 70,000 people going through chemotherapy.
“We receive such wonderful messages from hospitals and recipients acknowledging what a difference this small gesture makes. We also love coming together to sew and pack the turbines.
“There’s always so much laughter in the room as we come together to do this important work.”
Nine year Turban Angel Gerda Leitermann said that everyone knows someone who has suffered with cancer and it is an uplifting experience for those involved.
“Everybody knows someone who has had cancer and we have all been touched,” Gerda said.
“If there is something small that we can do, that keeps us busy and laughing for a few hours a week but helps that person throughout their diagnosis, then we will continue to do so.
“We’ve all found a niche here, it’s also a great way to introduce people to the Yarrawonga Lions and it’s a great way to make friends when you are new to the area.
“You just get lifted being a part of this project, they’re amazing, I love ‘em.”
Deb has always deflected personal praise and although the Turban Angels could not run without all the lovely ladies that give their time to create and sew, the project would not have begun without the idea coming from Deb.
“Our drive is the need, the passion, the love,” Deb said.
“Just seeing people who are suffering from the wretched disease, wearing our turbans and having people come up and thank us, you can’t beat it.
“The project has heart and is so meaningful, it is just the best project.”
Yarrawonga Lions immediate Past President Joan Tufvesson conveyed her pride in Deb and the Angels, saying the project is the awe of all Lions clubs around the country.
“When the project started, there was no way we (the Lions) thought it would evolve to what it has today,” Joan said.
“In a way it is sad that it has evolved as much as it means that so many people are going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment but the whole Yarrawonga Lions Club are so proud of our Turban Angels and the amazing work they do.
“To everyone’s credit, in the early days the ladies used to bring in their own machines. Now the club would never waver in giving the girls anything they may need for the project.
“It is like a wellness day for these women, many of who have been through cancer themselves and Deb has never wavered.
“Personally, I think it is just the best project in the district. The whole Lions fraternity are in awe of the girls, the project and all are in support. I could not be prouder of everything they have achieved.”
As well as turbans for cancer patients, the Turban Angels also make bandanas for men and children and tried their hand at face masks during the Covid pandemic.
The ladies meet from 8am – 1.30pm every Tuesday with around 100 turbans created in the day with each taking around 20 minutes to put together.
The Turban Angels are always after materials for their turbans and further cancer products so if you would like to donate money or materials, contact Deb or Yarrawonga Lions Club to assist
With a sarcastic bite, but a heart of gold, Deb has done an amazing job with this very worthwhile project while also being blessed with a terrific group of ladies that help her every step of the way.
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