“IT’S really quite simple to make these,” Lee Lawrence said, without even a glance at the intricate woollen mice she was crocheting.
An avid supporter of animal rescue groups, Lee makes dog blankets and crochet mice for rescued cats.
Her journey started years ago when she came across the RSPCA Sydney Adoption Centre in Yagoona.
She read in the local paper that the RSPCA was calling for dog blankets and coats, and faux mice and toys for cats.
Since she had a stash of wool and lived close by, she started crocheting blankets and mice for the charity.
This became such a fulfilling pastime that Lee bought extra wool from op shops and craft shops so she could give joy to more rescued animals.
Lee soon became a member of the Sydney Auxiliary and joined friends to fundraise for the RSPCA.
“Jane was one of them (those friends) and she coordinated donations of ‘woollens’ to send them to animal charities and rescue centres in NSW,” Lee said.
Jane and Lee eventually went their separate ways; Jane to the Blue Mountains area, and Lee to Gloucester five years ago.
Since then, Lee has been sending her mice to Jane for distribution.
“Friends and other people who have heard about knitting or crocheting for animal charities have donated wool and enabled me to carry on,” Lee said.
Lee has supported various knitting projects for Australian pet rescue groups.
Recently she even donated 50 mice for the Samaritan’s Purse’s “Operation Christmas Child” boxes.
“There are various knitting groups for animal rescue on Facebook which will welcome your support,” Lee added.
“Anyone keen to learn to crochet mice or donate scraps of wool can come to Crafty Tuesday held at the Gloucester Seventh Day Adventist hall on Hume Street between 9.30-12,” said Lee.
Learne Collins, who runs Crafty Tuesday, said, “Bring along your craft projects and enjoy a relaxed morning in great company.
“Lee would be so glad to show you how to crochet mice.”
By Kim TEOH
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