He Sat Down and Knitted for Penguins

Hey, my friend,

Today’s story comes from Phillip Island in Australia, from the year 2001.

A large oil spill spread across the waters near the island, covering hundreds of tiny penguins in sticky oil.

These penguins, also called fairy penguins, are the smallest species in the world, and the oil ruined the waterproof layer of their feathers.

Without this natural protection, they quickly became cold and weak.

And if they tried to clean themselves, they would swallow the oil and fall seriously ill.

Hence, the wildlife rescuers worked around the clock to bring the penguins to safety and wash the oil from their feathers.

But the process took time, and the penguins needed help to stay warm while being cleaned.

At the time, Alfie, a 109-year-old man, heard about the penguins and decided to help.

He had been knitting for most of his life, making sweaters for friends and family.

When he learned the penguins needed tiny sweaters, he began knitting dozens of them, carefully making each one fit a small penguin perfectly.

The sweaters helped keep the penguins warm and stopped them from licking the oil, giving the rescuers enough time to clean and care for them.

Alfie’s work inspired people from around the world to knit sweaters as well.

In the end, hundreds of penguins were helped, and many survived because of this simple act of care.

My friend, Alfie didn’t have a huge team or a lot of funds.

He just had his yarn, needles, and the thought that he could help.

Just like that, there might be people around you whom you want to help, but you hold back, thinking it won’t do much.

But I want you to know that, even doing a little bit, like checking in or helping with something small, can make them feel better and seen.

So, if you feel you can help, please don’t hold back and just go for it; it will make them and you feel good, too.

At the same time, my friend, don’t forget to take care of yourself as well.

Doing so won’t drain you and will make it easier for you to keep helping.

Wishing you a wonderful, blessed, kind, and joyful day and weekend ahead.

That is it for today, and see you on Monday.

Take care,
Prasad Mairale
Petals of Positivity 🌸