Crafters around the world unite to help animals affected by Australian bushfires

Crafters around the world have united in a bid to help the many animals affected by the Australian bushfires.

This is welcome news in light of the devastating revelation that upwards of half a billion animals have lost their lives in the blazes which have been raging since September - a number which continues to grow.

Some of the worst affected are the already endangered koalas, which feed on highly flammable eucalyptus trees. These incredible creatures could be pushed to the brink of extinction, especially if the destruction of their habitat continues, as per the Guardian.

The crafters have been sharing their creations on the Facebook group, the Animal Rescue Craft Guild. They have also been giving each other advice on sewing and sharing designs for items such as joey pouches, which are in high demand from animal charities in Australia.

"25/50 Joey pouches coming your way!" Facebook user Zia Rahim‎ posted to the group. "I had a lot of non sewer family and friends wanting to do their bit so I came up with 'donate a pouch'

"Each pouch was [then] sold for $20 each. So the joeys get a pouch and my non sewer fam and friend get to be a part of it."

Similarly, Wendy Williams‎ has been doing her bit, making woolen nests for affected birds. This picture was captioned: "My start to making nests."

The crafters aren't blindly creating items to help the relief effort, either. Animal charities have explained exactly what items they require to help Australian animals in need, such as the Animal Rescue Craft Guild (ARCCG).

And the crafters' efforts are already helping some of the animals who need it most. Here are some adorable examples.

While many of the crafters getting involved are experienced, the situation in Australia is so devastating that some people have been inspired to take up sewing so that they can do something to help.

"Never sewn [sic] in my entire life," wrote Angela Do. "Yesterday was the first time in my life I've ever used a machine but for our furry babies of Australia, I learnt [sic] how to."

If you would like to help the crafters, you can join the group, or if you simply want to donate to the human and animal relief efforts, you can do so at one of the organizations below.

How you can donate:

The NSW Rural Fire Service has multiple options for direct donations. You can donate to the RFS as a whole, or to specific brigades. You can donate through bank transfer, credit card or cheque.

For bank transfers, there is a set bank account (Account Name: NSW Rural Fire Service, BSB: 032-001, Account No: 171051). This account is for the RFS as a whole.

 This link will take you to the landing page for credit card donations. You can donate to the RFS general fund or choose specific brigades from the dropdown box.

In Queensland, Fire and Rescue advise that you can donate both money and items through the website givit.org.au. The website allows fire-affected communities to list what they specifically need, from water tanks in Yeppoon to school uniforms in Zillmere.

In Victoria, the Country Fire Authority has two bank accounts - one for specific brigades and one for the general fund.

In South Australia, the Country Fire Service accepts donations through the CFS Foundation. You can donate to them here. You can also leave a bequest.

If you cannot find the particular brigade you are looking for, you can contact them directly.