The first volunteer-made camouflage nets have been sent to Ukraine, part of an initiative set up by two friends to combine recycling with military aid, following Russia’s invasion.
The netting is around six meters in length, and also takes into account the time of year, fashion designer and co-founder of the initiative, dubbed “Aitan Kaitsta” (“I help to defend”) Anu Lensment has said.
She said: “They need muddy, spring tones especially”.
“They use it to cover different objects, including those of high cultural value, which are often also sandbagged. At least that random shell may not penetrate,” she added.
Both allied personnel and the Ukrainians themselves have been consulted on the project, Jaana Ratas, co-founder of the initiative said; the camo net workshop was also presented on March 28 edition of “Aktuaalne kaamera” (AK), and Lensment and Ratas said they had also seen similar handiwork being done both in Latvia and in Ukraine itself.
The materials used include donated fisher nets and strips of old clothing from the Recycling Center (Uuskasutuskeskus) and through donations from private individuals.
The workshops include those at public broadcaster ERR’s TV house in Tallinn and at the Estonian National Museum (ERM) in Tartu, with plans to open in other museums.
Of benefits for those engaged in the work, Lensment said: “It is a real meditative activity. People have said they have been able to overcome their anxiety,” as a result. (ERR/Business World Magazine)
