Sitting in my craft room today writing up magazine project notes and I look out the window to a hazy golden glow that the world has had for the past few days. With Summer not even truly here we’ve already had the worse bush fires in a decade and seemingly the worst is yet to come.

The flames surround us in every direction – North, South and West – with smoke hanging in a thick, choking pall over the city, being blown in every direction by winds that no-one wants.

I know people living in each of the key fire locations. I’ve had friends evacuate, leaving behind everything they own bar a few irreplaceable items. I hear stories and I’m keeping a close eye on things via social media. I’m now helping in the only way I really can – by sewing.

I’ve been in touch with WIRES to see what they need in terms of animal carer support – nappies, slings and pouches for injured animals. If you would like to help make pouches click on these links for instructions –  macropod pouches making possum pouches.

The rescue operations are now well under way and the teams urgently need new, flat (not fitted), 100% cotton sheets. If you can help with this please email support@wires.org.au once you have sheets ready to send.

Other ways to help –

1. BlanketLovez are collecting quilt tops, finished quilts, wadding and monetary donations to make quilts for families who’ve lost everything. See the link for more details.

2. Pillowcases for Oncology Kids are collecting pillowcases. Follow the link for more information. Pillowcase Instructions.

3. A MESSAGE FROM WILDLIFE ARC: Wildlife ARC are doing a search and rescue tonight. Members will be looking for injured animals from the bushfires. If anyone would like to join the hunt, they will meet at the Shell Service Station at Doylo at 6pm on the 21st October. “We are also putting out food and water for the animals,” a spokeswoman said. “We are asking that if people come can they bring any sort of plastic containers, ice cream containers etc please.”

4. Truly Scrumptious is collecting for a crafty lady who lost her home based business.

5. Pet Barn is collecting donations when your purchase goods for your pets.

There are many people out and about helping in whatever ways they can. If you can do something, even just a little, it all helps.  🙂