Skip to content

Courtenay sewing event being organized to create pouches for animals affected by Australian wildfires

The Spool Sewing Studio owner Nicole Bertram is planning a work bee to create products for the animals in distress as a result of the Australia wildfires.
20108358_web1_copy_200114-CVR-C-Sewingevent
Spool Sewing Studio owner Nicole Bertram shows a pouch similar to what will be crafted at her event Jan. 18. The pouches are being designed to help with the rehabilitation of the animals affected by the wildfires in Australia. Photo by Terry Farrell

The Spool Sewing Studio owner Nicole Bertram is planning a work bee to create products for the animals in distress as a result of the Australia wildfires.

The work bee, “Sew For Australian Wildlife,” will take place at her studio (#4-420 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay) on Saturday, Jan. 18, from noon to 5 p.m.

“People can come in at any time during that period. Whether they have half an hour to help, or four hours to help - whatever they want to do,” said Bertram.

No sewing experience is needed. Spool Sewing Studio will be donating material.

“We need people cutting out patterns; we need people sewing patterns, so there’s plenty for people to do… people can bring snacks if they want to, or bring donations of 100 per cent cotton fabric, or flannel. But no synthetic fibres or polyester. We will use whatever we can to make these little animal pouches. People can come with literally just their hands and an open mind, and we will help them make something.”

Similar work bees are taking place throughout the country, as sewing, quilting and knitting enthusiasts do their part in aid of the devastation Down Under.

There are hubs across the country collecting the pouches made by the different crafting communities. Once collected, the pouches will be sent to Australia at no cost, thanks to Air Canada.

“Vancouver Island has someone collecting in Nanaimo, and she is actually working with all the SPCAs across the Island to create pick-up points,” said Bertram. “They are just trying to make things as streamlined as possible.

“I know they are getting lots of donations now, because people are reading about it, but the rescue centres are anticipating months and months of need. So even if we don’t get this out on this shipment, they will still need it for the next shipment.”

When asked why she got involved, Bertram said it was not a hard decision.

“It’s easy to feel like there’s nothing you can do, when there’s so much going wrong,” she said. “As a crafter, and as a community of crafters, it turns out there is something very tangible that we can do, that can very directly help the animals, in addition to making financial contributions. This is something that the animals in Australia need after the fires .. and this is something we can do to help.”

For more information on the event, call Bertram at 250-890-3318 or email thespoolsewingstudio@gmail.com

RELATED: Langford quilt shop making pouches for orphaned wildlife



terry.farrell@blackpress.ca

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

20108358_web1_200114-CVR-N-animalpouch
An example of a pouch that is being used in the rehabilitation process of animals affected by the Australia wildfires. Photo via Avalon Katoomba Animal Rescue Crafternoon Tea Facebook page


Terry Farrell

About the Author: Terry Farrell

Terry returned to Black Press in 2014, after seven years at a daily publication in Alberta. He brings 14 years of editorial experience to Comox Valley Record...
Read more