Photo: Penguin Foundation
How cute is that? The 109-year-old Australian Alfred Date knits pullovers for defenseless penguins!
This is not a fashion statement
In 2013, the animal welfare organization Victoria's Phillip Island Penguin Foundation asked for volunteers who knit sweaters for injured penguins . What sounds like a cute joke, turns out on closer inspection as a life-saving measure. The knitted mini sweaters play an important role in saving penguins from global oil spills. Just a small drop in contact with oil is enough to seriously injure the sensitive animals. The sweaters protect the penguins from swallowing the oil or getting in contact with it, so that the employees of the organization can remove the harmful substance beforehand.
Oldest Australian knits diligently
When the 109-year-old Australian Alfred Date hears about the call, he immediately jumps in eagerly and has been knitting sweet sweaters for the endangered penguins ever since. Australia's oldest citizen has been an avid knitter since the 1930s and was more than happy to bring his perfect skills to such a good cause. But Mr. Date is not only talented, he is also funny. When asked what the secret of his long life is, he says: "Waking up every morning!".
Donation appeal is a huge success
In the meantime, so many garments have been knitted by volunteers that the organization asks on their website to refrain from further clothing donations, but instead likes to receive donations.
