Volunteers Stitch Together Warmth for Local Whānau

The local Curtain Bank is continuing to keep kiwis in the Eastern Bay of Plenty warm and healthy this winter.

Established in 2008, Curtain Bank transforms donated curtains into insulated window coverings for those who need them.

The business that operated Curtain Bank was sold in 2012, and became umbrellaed under the New Zealand Red Cross, with Trust Horizon stepping in to provide a space for the much-needed service.

“Without this space, we simply couldn’t exist. Commercial leases would cost upwards of $7,000 each year, and that’s just not feasible for us,” said Curtain Bank Coordinator, Karen Lewell

The Curtain Bank relies on its volunteers working several sessions each week at the back of the Trust Horizon and Arrow Accounting premises.

Hours increase during winter to keep up with demand.

“Everything happens there – storing curtains, repairing them, resizing and relining,” says Lewell.

The curtain bank helps on average around 70 homes each year, focusing on the living room and children’s bedrooms.

Occasionally, curtains will be provided for the whole house.

Whānau are referred through health and social service organisations across the region – including iwi groups, housing trusts, and respiratory health providers.

Lewell says all the curtains are donated, and they replace the linings, add new tape, and tidy them up.

“We often become interior decorators, too, making sure the curtains fit the space and that the colours don’t clash.”

Trust Horizon trustee, Yvonne Boyes, said the work of Curatin Bank and its volunteers “goes beyond warmth.”

“Properly fitted and lined curtains can improve insulation, enhance health and wellbeing, and reduce energy costs, all while diverting reusable materials from landfill.”

The Curtain Bank has a huge impact on the community, operating quietly in the background, and relying on the support of organisations like Red Cross and Trust Horizon, as well as a steady supply of donated curtains from the community.

“We’re one of those organisations that run under the radar, just getting things done,” says Lewell.

Donations of clean, good-quality second-hand curtains can be dropped off at Arrow Accounting’s reception, on Richardson Street, Whakatāne.