From thousands of miles away, members of the St George’s sewing club are doing their part to help animals that have been burnt by the wildfires in Australia.

As the fires keep going, more and more animals need help and it has prompted knitters, sewers and crafters from across the world – including the St George’s sewing club – to come to their rescue.

It is estimated that almost half a billion animals have been killed and thousands have been seriously injured in the wildfires.

The Animal Rescue Craft Guild, an Australian-based Facebook group, put a call out for volunteers to sew pouches for injured and orphaned animals, including joeys and wallabies.

Jackie Belle, who works in our facilities team, previously worked as a veterinary nurse in Australia and asked the sewing club for their help after noticing the appeal.

Jackie said: “Every donation or item made makes such a huge difference to the injured wildlife and rescue team, and enables them to spend more time searching for casualties and assessing the damaged environment.”

The St George’s sewing club is run by Jacqueline Mendez, Sewing Room Supervisor, who set up the group in 2018.

Jacqueline said: “I had seen the news about the bush fire, so when I was approached by Jackie Belle, we discussed the plight of the animals and what was needed. I thought it was a great idea.

“It was also a way for everyone in the sewing club to take part, no matter how much experience they have.”

She added: “You don’t have to be frightened to sew – even if you can’t thread a needle, the sewing club is a great opportunity to learn how and while making good friends!”