Village News
From sheets to smiles
11 August 2025
Barbara Millichamp is a spirited 89-year-old resident who transforms unused bedding, like sheets and duvet covers, into beautiful, handmade dresses for young girls in the Pacific Islands.
Barbara's journey with the New Zealand syndicate of charity organisation 'Dress a Girl Around the World' began with a simple prompt: "I had a friend in Auckland who was making dresses for this organisation and she put me onto it," Barbara recalls.
That introduction sparked a passion in Barbara, who has since helped children in need by contributing to the more than 20,000 dresses donated by New Zealanders to young girls in the Pacific Islands.
Her process is simple. "I just measure the fabric and decide what age group to sew for. For example, small pieces for a three-year-old and I go up to a size 10. I can make a three-year-old’s dress out of one pillowcase.”
“I always use the same pattern, and I use as much edging and ribbons to make it look as pretty as possible." This thoughtful approach ensures that each dress is unique and delightful for young girls to wear.
Barbara's materials primarily come from her fellow Greenwood Park residents. "They supply me with offcuts and items from their cupboards that they haven’t used for years. I take anything, and if it’s not suitable, I give them to the op-shops."
Sustainability is a core value for Barbara. "I think it’s very important," she emphasises. "A lot of people have material just sitting in cupboards. It’s good using things up that will otherwise just go to waste – it gives it a new life!"
One donation was two brand new sheets still in their packet. "One was plain blue and another with navy spots. I managed to make 11 dresses out of them!” Barbara recalls.
Her efforts not only reduce waste but allow her to meet interesting new people. "Lots of different people bring me material, and if I’m not here, they just leave it at my door. We put a notice into our village newsletter and get a good response."
For Barbara, this work is more than just a hobby; it provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment. "I’m 89 and so limited in what I can do, but this keeps me busy all the time.”
Barbara's background as a Physical Education teacher from Ardmore Teachers College and a specialist teacher in the Bay of Plenty has always been about nurturing and giving to others. Her current endeavours continue this legacy, bringing joy to many children.
The impact of Barbara's work is beautifully summed up by Kate Hargrave, whose work with a separate charity organisation, Project Uplift, helps transport the dresses to the Pacific Islands.
"They’re just beautiful. I saw a video of a little girl who received a blue dress. She was spinning around, and she didn’t want to take it off! It’s very fulfilling to see.”