Sewing for Australia
By EW, Age 11, Surfside 4-H

In 2019, Australia suffered from an extremely dry spring. Now, in January 2020, the country is experiencing historic wildfires. Scientists estimate that 500 million to 1 billion animals will be lost from the fires. Many of the animals are now injured or parentless, needing to be rescued. 

My mom’s friend contacted me about a chance to help the animals being rescued by using my sewing skills to make wildlife pouches. I’m currently in my 3rd year taking sewing in 4-H. The sewing project has taught me how to use my sewing machine proficiently. We mainly used French seams, which was also a skill I learned in 4-H. I was able to make 5 pouch inserts and one outer casing.

Together with the items made by the other volunteers, my pouches will be shipped to Australia to help wallabies, kangaroo joeys, brush-tailed possums, and other recovering critters. If you want to learn how you can help, contact the Animal Rescue Collective or check out their Animal Rescue Collective Craft Guild for the patterns.