PROVIDING some comfort following the devastating bush fires in Australia, a company in Launceston has put out a call to its clients to get knitting after becoming a designated drop off point for Animal Rescue Collective Craft Guild (ARCCG) donations.

The Natural Fibre Company — Blacker Yarns based on Pennygillam Industrial Estate in Launceston is a designated drop off point for knitted and crocheted joey pouches, bird nests, bat wraps, hanging pouches, and blankets for animals affected by the fires, which was sent out to Australia last week.

ARCCG was inundated with donations but the wool mill in Launceston assured donors it will get all items donated to the hub in Newquay in time for a global stock take (January 26).

Explaining why they as a team decided to get involved, Kamila Jakubowska, brand manager for The Natural Fibre Company — Blacker Yarns, said: “We have all seen the awful news about the wildfires in Australia, and the devastation that it has caused, and is continuing to create for both humans and the wildlife. It wasn’t long before social media posts were appearing on newsfeeds from Australian charities requesting woollen hand knitted and crocheted items.

“We are passionate about the animals and their welfare and as we produce real wool here, we’re in the right industry to help.”

She added: “We have decided as a team in The Natural Fibre Company and Blacker Yarns to make [the mill] a drop off point for all the knitted and crocheted items, and then we will ship them all over to Australia.”

The items can be brought in or sent via the post to the company, but they urged people to get them in as soon as possible to make the January 26 deadline.

The response to the team’s request has been incredible.

Kamila said: “We have been inundated, as have the charities in Australia.”

However, due to the high volume of donations, some of the pouches may be repurposed and donated to local charities instead.

Kamila added: “We have been advised that they are expecting a huge shipment from America, so they may well have enough handmade items once this arrives.

“Whilst the injured animals in Australia may no longer need our handcrafted items, there are many UK charities that will very grateful of any donations. So if people would like to continue crafting the hubs will ensure that they get to the animals whom need it most.”

For contact details and where to donate knitted items visit www.blackeryarns.co.uk