The knitters keeping busy, knitting for the penguins.
At Karinya Residential Care home, a group of crafty residents are proving that compassion and creativity don’t retire.
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For the past six months, residents have been knitting tiny woollen jumpers, not for babies, but for penguins.
While the penguins reap the rewards, the residents are too, spending time together for a good cause, improving their dexterity, bringing a shared sense of purpose and joy.
The jumpers act as a temporary barrier, preventing the penguins from preening.
When the birds are exposed to oil they instinctively try to clean their feathers, ingesting toxic substances that can be fatal.
The jumpers protect them until their delicate feathers can be properly cleaned at the Phillip Island Wildlife Clinic.
“These jumpers are more than just adorable, they’re lifesaving,” a spokesperson said.
The idea was hatched by registered nurse Sharon, and the residents were quick to spring into action.
The penguins all suited up in their knitted jumpers.
So far, the group has created more than 25 jumpers, with more on the way.
For resident Marion Prosser, the project is a perfect blend of passion and purpose.
“I was very lucky years ago to go to Phillip Island and see the penguins come into their nesting boxes, and I just fell in love with them,” Marion said.
“I’ve also always loved knitting, I started when I was in grade 3, and I’ve been knitting for the penguins for 15 years.
“What I love about it is that they are so precious, and I feel so happy when I’m helping our wildlife.
“They give me so much joy.”
The Karinya Knitters with a scarf they knitted for the homeless.
The Karinya Knitters’ generosity doesn’t stop at penguins.
Using donated wool, the group also knits premature baby beanies, hug-me-tight jackets, scarves for the homeless, fingerless gloves, dog jackets, and knee rugs.
Did you know?
In the last major oil spill near Phillip Island in 2001, 438 little penguins were affected.
Of those, 96 per cent were successfully saved with the help of penguin jumpers, rehabilitated at the Wildlife Clinic and released back into the wild.
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