WITHOUT the tenacity of passionate volunteers like Val Rooney, the Australia-wide goal to create 60,000 poppies to mark the centenary of World War One in November wouldn’t be possible.
The Boronia Heights resident, whose husband served in the military, has already crocheted over 500 poppies for the Australian War Memorial.
She began the mammoth task after the goal came to her attention late last year.
“It is my way of remembering my husband Bob’s over 22 years of service to Australia” she said.
“It is just something I personally felt like I wanted to do.”
Bob’s service included tours in Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Singapore.
Ms Rooney is a part of the Australian War Widows Guild which is making a strong contribution to help reach the target.
She has already exceeded her own personal target towards the cause.
“I thought I would be able to make about 50 but I’m now up to 560 – it is just something where you can pick up your crochet hook while watching TV,” she said.
“One of the ladies told me your hands can’t be idle.”
The 60,000 poppies will each represent one life lost from the major conflict and will be placed on the Australian War Memorial grounds during the commemorations.
Poppies are welcome from any knitters looking to contribute and can be sent to the War Memorial or the ‘5000 poppies’ organisation.
Anyone looking to join Ms Rooney and support the Australian War Widows Guild’s cause can contact her on 0408 001 352.