Animal lovers urged to join painting event helping wildlife harmed in Australian bushfires

Southsea resident Jessa Speed moved here from Australia five years ago, and wanted to use her artistic talents to support animals who have suffered or lost their habitat during the recent devastation.

Feeling helpless, the 28-year-old knew she had to do something to help as she still has family living over there who saw the fires firsthand.

Jessa said: ‘I’m Australian myself so it’s my home that’s been affected by this really. I had been thinking about donating money but felt I needed to do something a bit more.

‘There has never been a time where animals have been so affected because they may not be able to survive in the wild now.’

Keen artist Jessa owns painting events company Paint Chill Co, and is set to host a charity night at the Portsmouth Irish Club in Elm Grove, Southsea, on March 5.

With space for 80 people, the event will see guests follow step-by-step instructions to create a koala painting of Jessa’s own design to raise money for Wires Wildlife Rescue, with no art experience required.

More than 50 spaces have already been booked up at £30 per ticket. Jessa has also been selling limited edition prints and greeting cards for those who cannot make the event.

So far, her efforts have raised nearly £1,200, with more set to come in as the final spaces get booked up.

‘It’s really cool for everyone to have a little look around the room and see everyone’s work,’ said Jessa.

‘I can’t wait to be able to hand the money over, it’s going to feel absolutely awesome to be able to help Australia a bit more.’

The company runs coffee mornings and evening events for people to enjoy getting artistic, and has started to move into wellbeing art by working with Veteran's Outreach Support for veterans who have PTSD.

To find out more or book a space at the event, visit paintchill.co/bushfire-support-charity-paint