Australia is suffering from devastating wildfires. Research shows 500 million to 1 billion animals have died thus far. Animal rescue teams have requested pouches for animals, so Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota’s youth fashion designers are coming to their aid.
Boys & Girls Club members were deeply impacted by the tragedy currently taking place in Australia, and they were compelled to find a way they could help. They found that the pouches requested were a quick and easy sewing project that could be completed by all ages. It is a tangible way for Boys & Girls Club kids to make a big difference all the way across the world. This project showed these kids that anyone can be a superhero and help in a time of need.
“It’s devastating to watch what is happening in Australia right now,” said Fashion & Sewing Mentor Elisha Gerads. “Sometimes, it’s easy to feel helpless during these times, especially for a child asking themselves, ‘What can I do?’”
Gerads explained that a fellow staff at the Eastside Boys & Girls Club showed her the Animal Rescue Collective asking for animal pouches. “This was a simple sewing project that I knew a wide range of children could accomplish. Club members recognized their ability to sew is unique, and that they can use their sewing skills to make a positive impact in the world,” Gerads said.
Boys & Girls Club member Anika is actively working to make as many pouches for the animals as possible this week. “It felt good to be able to do something,” Anika said.
Boys & Girls Club members continued working on this project throughout the week of January 6-10th. All pouches will be collected and shipped out Friday, January 10th.
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