For Wendy Lugg, textile artist and passionate advocate for sustainability, volunteering has always been woven into the fabric of her life. Raised with a strong ethos of giving back, she has long championed sustainable practices, using recycled materials and tools in her work to tread lightly on the planet.
When the
Social Textiles program launched in 2023, Wendy stepped up as an assistant mentor without hesitation. With her deep love for textiles and a lifelong commitment to waste reduction, she felt immediately drawn to the group’s purpose. “It was a no brainer to throw myself into something I’m passionate about.”
Emerging from the
Repair Lab initiative, Social Textiles brings together like-minded people to combat landfill waste through creativity and community. Participants repair clothing, learn to craft bags and garments, and gain new sewing skills, all while sharing stories and laughs along the way. Volunteer mentors like Wendy offer guidance, support and inspiration, often working on their own projects alongside others.
For Wendy, the beauty of volunteering lies not only in what she gives, but what she gains. “It’s something for me!” she says, reflecting on the joy of sharing skills and connecting with others through a shared purpose. She finds genuine fulfilment in helping others develop their own creativity, while quietly championing a more sustainable way of living.
Her advice to others thinking about volunteering? Start with something you care deeply about. Wendy believes that when you align your passions with your actions, the experience becomes deeply meaningful and rewarding. Whether it’s textiles, the environment, or community connection, volunteering is a chance to keep learning, growing, and making a difference, one stitch at a time.
This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate incredible individuals like Wendy, who lead by example, give with heart, and show us how small actions can make a big impact.