In the wake of devastating bush fires that have killed more than half a billion animals, Beach Hotel venue supervisor Claire Hamilton is doing all she can to help save injured animals in need.
A self-confessed animal lover Claire, along with the help of hotel owner John Twohill, has taken matters into her own hands collecting materials and holding a sewing bee at the pub to make pouches for animals injured in the fires.
"Originally we decided to put donation tins at the hotel with the promise to match any contributions," Claire said.
"Any amount raised will be donated between NSW RFS and Wires, Australia's largest wildlife rescue organisation."
But after seeing others on Facebook sewing pouches for injured wildlife, Claire found an extra way to lend a hand.
"An organistion called The Australian Rescue Collective Craft Guild (ARCCG) collects pouches for injured wildlife and distributes them to carers and rescue organisations all over the country to wherever they are needed most," Claire said.
"I can sew, so I had the patterns sent to me by the organisation and am now taking donations of material so we can sew them into rescue pouches."
Claire will hold a sewing bee in one of the Beach Hotel's function rooms on Tuesday, 14 January from 4pm where she and her friends will turn donated materials into pouches.
Claire will hold a sewing bee in one of the Beach Hotel's function rooms on Tuesday, 14 January from 4pm where she and her friends will turn donated materials into pouches.
"We need donations of clean pillowcases in good condition, because they need to be strong enough, and ideally 100% natural fibre as it allows for better air flow and is better for the wounds animals might have than polyester," she said.
"Anyone who can sew is also welcome to participate in the sewing bee or even help cut patterns with us. I am hoping to end up with around 100 pouches across 10 sizes."
Donations of clean pillow cases, sheets, blankets and material can be dropped off in collection bins in the cafe area of the Beach Hotel.
If anyone would like to participate in the sewing bee, please contact Claire at the Beach Hotel on
(02) 4963 1574.
Beach Hotel
99 Frederick st Merewether Newcastle, 2291 (02) 4963 1574