Cantabrians called on to knit, sew and stitch for wildlife in bushfires

Southbridge resident Ben Wilson dropped in to Leeston Library to sew a joey pouch for the...
Southbridge resident Ben Wilson dropped in to Leeston Library to sew a joey pouch for the wildlife sewing appeal. Photo: Selwyn District Council
A Canterbury library service is asking people to help wildlife caught up in the Australian bushfires.

A campaign launched by Selwyn Libraries aims to send supplies of pouches, wraps and nests across the Tasman.

The Lincoln, Rolleston, Leeston and Darfield libraries want people to donate materials and help make the items.

Patterns, materials and sewing machines will be available to use at the libraries.

Selwyn District Council arts, culture and lifelong learning manager Nicki Moen said staff became aware of the Animal Rescue Craft Guild’s plight and decided they could help.

“One of the things we can do is give practical assistance, by knitting and sewing pouches and wraps that will directly help rehabilitate animals injured in the wildfires,” she said.

“People have been really touched by the plight of these animals, and the organisations that are struggling to keep up with the scale of the devastation."

Residents can also make items at home.

Patterns and sewing requirements can be found here.

Donations of soft natural fibres, such as flannelette cotton, are also being accepted at the Selwyn libraries.