Kelowna artisan raising funds for Australian bushfire relief

A Kelowna jewelry maker is using her business to help out Australian bushfire relief efforts. 

“My first goal was $300, and we’re at about $2,700 right now… I’m just waiting on some more stamps to come in, I have one last batch I’m going to push, so we’re going to break $3,000,” says Laura Burnell-Higgs, owner of Oh! The Post!

Burnell-Higgs uses vintage stamps to create unique jewelry pieces. Her latest line is labelled the “Down Under Collection,” using authentic Australian stamps from the early 1900s.

“Koalas, kangaroos, wombats, kind of wildlife centred – and they’re all made with original postage stamps, which means a lot of them are one of a kind.”

Burnell-Higgs says she’ll split the proceeds between World Wildlife Fund and Red Cross Australia, half for humanitarian relief and half for the wildlife.

“I have friends who live in Australia, we have close ties in Kelowna to a lot of people in Australia because of our connection with Big White. I love wildlife as well – I have a soft spot in my heart for all kinds of animals.”

She’s asking for a minimum donation of $25, and donors have their choice of pendant, earring or pins. 

“Some people are choosing to donate more. I’ve had costumers donate $100 for an item because 100 per cent is going to charity,” says Burnell-Higgs.

“I don’t expect a pat on the back for being a good person or helping. I think we need to give and help more as a society in our own community and abroad and this is just something I could do."

“It’s not like when the fires are over, it’s over. Wildlife preservation is so important I have a three-year-old daughter. We do as much as we can at home to reduce our footprint, and I think it’s really important to show her that giving and helping is important.”

Check out Instagram or Facebook for more information on Oh! The Post!