Sea horses, mermaids and whales, oh my

Artisan using skills to raise awareness of the plight facing oceans

Penny Lighthall is hoping some little wool creatures can help protect the oceans.

She has created a variety of undersea creatures she is selling tickets on, with the proceeds going to Ocean Keepers, a program of the David Suzuki Foundation. She’s also taking whatever opportunities she’s given to talk about the oceans.

“When we look at the oceans we see beauty, but under the surface they’re suffering,” she said. “They regulate climate and provide food and oxygen. If we lose the ocean we will lose our lives. We will cease to exist.”

Lighthall joined Ocean Keepers, a program that organizes advocacy, educates and funds research, and organizes and funds beach cleanups.

“I wanted to do something to help other than write letters of advocacy,” she said. “I usually make a personal donation to Ocean Keepers but I thought if I make something I can raise awareness too. They key is everyone doing a little bit. ”

She put together a package that includes six creatures made of wool. The largest is a mermaid doll. The mermaid character is to help people learn to go with the flow, move or go around obstacles and recognize the benefits of still waters for rejuvenation. The seahorse is to encourage people to accept, and take responsibility for, their actions. The humpback whale is to strengthen the ability to keep history and to develop better communication. The package also includes three tree ornaments: a sand dollar, a starfish and a whale fluke.

The package is valued at $160 and tickets are $2 each or three for $5, with the draw being held Dec. 31. People can message her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/penny.lighthall.9. Lighthall, who spent the first few years of her life in Lawrencetown, finds water to be a healing element.

“I go to water to meditate and to heal,” she said. “It’s definitely water I need to heal, think and cleanse.”

More information on Ocean Keepers can be found at https://davidsuzuki.org/take-action/actlocally/become-ocean-keeper/

LYNN CURWIN/TRURO DAILY NEWS Penny Lighthall has created some undersea creatures she hopes will raise funds and awareness for the situation oceans are in today. She is selling tickets, with the funds going to the Ocean Keepers.