Close to 100 people got together yesterday evening at Reykjavík’s KEX Hostel to knit pouches for Australian animals orphaned in the fires ravaging the country. The idea for the event came from Australian Erin Jade Turner who has been staying in Iceland since mid-December.
Erin joined forces with Icelander Pétur Oddbergur Heimisson, who hosts a regular knitting event at KEX, to organise the event. “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Icelandic people and are so thankful for the talented knitters contributing to this project,” Erin stated. “Approximately 40 knitted, sewn and crocheted items were received last night alone and we expect to receive many more in the coming weeks.”
The widespread fires have heavily impacted both animals and humans in Australia. “The day I flew out of Sydney I was wearing a mask, cause the smoke in Sydney basin was so thick and so heavy and it was raining ash,” Erin stated in an interview for Stöð 2. “We know friends and family who have been caught up in it, who have been impacted by the fires. It’s hard not to know someone who hasn’t been impacted by it.”
Knitters who would like to participate in the drive are invited to drop off their knitted pouches at KEX Hostel on February 3 between 10.00am and 8.00pm. Approved patterns and details are provided on the cause’s Facebook page.
