Handmade with love, Warriors for Africa’s Wildlife ladies support injured and orphaned animals by making knitted goods for animals in need.
South Africa (13 December 2021) – Julia Nicholson and her two friends started Warriors for Africa’s Wildlife (WAW) to craft and fundraise for South African wildlife and their protectors.
Julia is based in KwaZulu-Natal, Nita Smith is based in Gauteng and Valerie Means is based in the USA. The ladies each coordinate the fundraising efforts for those areas.
“We are a crafting and fundraising group on Facebook. We knit, crochet and sew for orphaned wildlife, Anti-Poaching Rangers, K9 teams and animal carers. We also support impoverished communities living near reserves and use our craft to educate small children about wildlife. Everything we gift is personally made by us and our members”
Crafting for wildlife aside, the ladies also raise funds to pay for feed, medical supplies and milk for rhino and other orphaned wild animals.
The WAW Facebook group comprises just under 1000 members worldwide, but most are based in South Africa.
“Items we craft are blankets of various sizes and colours (project-specific), beanies, scarves, gloves, nests for birds and toys. We source donations of goods for enrichment purposes for the working K9’s and animals such as Chimpanzees that are in sanctuaries.”
They also run annual projects every Easter and Christmas to uplift impoverished communities surrounding wildlife areas.
The group’s current project is to knit and crochet winter warmers for 45 men and women who work in anti-poaching units. Each person will get a poncho, beanie, scarf, and gloves.
“We are passionate about assisting in the fight to save our rhinos and other endangered wildlife from extinction.”
You can learn more about the project by joining the Facebook group here. They are looking for several donations, so reach out if you have a passion for knitting or crocheting and want to help!
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