Deeply saddened by the bushfires that continue to burn across Australia destroying native wildlife -an estimated 1 billion animals have perished- residents at Lifeview Aged Care are doing their part – knitting, sewing, crocheting and building much needed animal rescue items for the wildlife that have been injured or orphaned by the fires.
Director of Lifeview Aged Care, Peter Reilly said “after consulting with residents about how they would like to help, they have overwhelmingly voted to put their craft skills to the fore and create protective pouches, blankets, bat wraps, bird nests, possum boxes, koala mittens and other snuggly homes for marsupials made homeless by the fires”.
The project has been in response to a call-for-assistance from the Animal Rescue Craft Guild – a 100% volunteer-run charity creating and supplying materials for rescue groups and carers across the country.
Residents of the nursing home have also been making fauna/wildlife food with Lifeview Willow Wood residents having already delivered 300 food balls to the Bayside Community Emergency Relief Group for distribution to fire affected areas to provide nourishment for animals with little to no natural food sources left.
“We see these endeavours as long-term projects and will continue with our efforts for the next couple of months as a minimum,” said Mr Reilly adding that Lifeview is looking to create further initiatives as the full impact of the fire season unfolds.