CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Although the distance between Corpus Christi and Australia is significant, there is a way you can help the animals affected by the wildfires ravaging the country.
A non-profit organization said all people need to do is knit and sew.
Billions of animals have been killed in the fires in Australia, and hundreds of millions more are injured.
Now, volunteers around the world have come up with a creative way to help these suffering animals.
The Animal Rescue Craft Guild has put out a worldwide call, asking people to help by knitting, sewing and crocheting items for their orphaned wildlife.
“There's probably about 15 different patterns that we have on our Facebook page that people can look at and peek at what they can make,” said Belinda Orellana, founding member of Animal Rescue Craft Guild.
The nonprofit organization is asking people to make joey pouches of all sizes and styles for their kangaroos.
They're asking sewers to make bat wraps.
And they want people who can crochet to help make bird nests and blankets for the rest of the animals.
They rest in the pouches as they're recovering,” said Orellana.
She said many of the animals could be in rehabilitation for months. It could take over a year for those that are badly injured.
“This summer is the worst that we've ever had,” said Orellana. “It’s just amazing the amount of land its covered and how many more animals are in need of help.”
Not only do the animals need to be rehabilitated, Orellana says they're at risk of dying from starvation and thirst as Australia continues to deal with a drought that's only being made worse by the fires.
“The ones that have survived are burn victims, smoke inhalation is affecting their lungs and their system,” said Orellana. “Or they're starving because they have no food source left and everything's been burned down.”
The Animal Rescue Craft Guild has already received an outpouring of support from all over the world.
Volunteers have sent thousands of crafted goods. And those who don't craft have donated over $100,000 to help with supplies and shipping costs.
If you’d like to knit, sew, or crochet something you can visit the link: https://mkc.org.au/donations/arfsncrafts?fbclid=IwAR2fF-V0fY4UTuEqZqa3UjBy02fNsHFT0Q5I6lo4Ns3Z5Xvah61DvG0Usyw
To make a monetary donation: https://www.facebook.com/arfsncrafts/
Address to send handmade crafts:
Kim Adkins
360 Pine Ridge Drive
Harriman, TN 37748
Phone number: 865-591-7368