A GROUP of retirement-home residents in Cottesloe have a special connection with little penguins. The knitting group, from Amana Living’s Sundowner Hostel, have been knitting warm winter jackets for injured little penguins at Phillip Island in Victoria, the largest little penguin colony in the world. Occupational therapist Jan Telfer, who organised the initiative, said the penguin jumpers would be shipped off to rangers working on the island, where they would be used to help injured penguins stay warm during their rehabilitation. “All of our residents are real animal lovers and this has been a really gorgeous project for our knitting group to work on,” Jan said. “To a certain extent it was inspired by the terrible oil spill that took place in America, but after doing some research we discovered that the little penguin colony in Victoria was also in need of our help, and so that’s where we’ve dedicated our efforts.
“This project has brought a great deal of fun and laughter to our residents who have enjoyed knitting the tiny jumpers, knowing that they are doing something very worthwhile.” To enable members of the knitting club to continue making the penguin jumpers, donations of wool are needed. Locals who have spare wool to donate can contact Jan Telfer on 9424-6600. |
