Talented crafter sells off embroidery for Australia bushfires fundraising appeal

Eden Mclachlan, 19 from South Shields is offering embroidery services worldwide to raise awareness of bushfires in Australia.

The fires which have been burning since September have seen more than four million hectares destroyed, more than 1,300 houses burned forcing thousands of people out of their homes and half a billion animals have been killed.

Eden said: “I just have a lot of friends and family in Australia and New Zealand.

“I’m upset that nobody is really talking about it – whole communities are trapped without aid or water.”

Wanting to reach out, Eden set up an appeal where she has asked people to make a donation to New South Wales Rural Fire Service and Wildlife Information, Rescue, and Education Service (WIRES) and in exchange she will send a 4inch embroidery hoop with an optional design.

Eden added: “Both organisations need a lot of support. The rural fire service is about to get about $40m AUD from a Facebook campaign launched by Celeste Barber – though I imagine once she releases those funds, another will be set up.

“WIRES is being crippled by the amount of extra work caused by the fires.

“The food they need to feed and help nurse these animals back to health is quite expensive, as is getting out there to reach them in such dangerous and isolating conditions. Both of them need a lot of help.”

Eden began to do embroidery two years ago and is self-taught having ‘picked’ the skill up by watching YouTube videos. So far Eden says she’s raised about $700 AUD (£368.59) and still has donations coming in, she said: “Luckily I’m off work this week, I’m going to be very busy with all the embroidery I need to do.

“One lady has asked me to do an embroidery of her dog.”

Find out more on her Facebook page.