“How Much Can A Koala Bare” by the Phoenix Appeal

by Andy on February 19, 2009

Since coming to Philly I haven’t been keeping up with world news as much as I usually do back in England, but I have heard about the devastating wildfires that have swept across parts of Australia, tragically claiming 180 lives.

In times like this people often try to cling to signs of hope, and whilst I’m sure it isn’t much comfort to those that have lost family and friends, a lot of people have been captivated by the image of firefigther David Tree holding the paw of a koala bear (the koala put the paw out, not the other way around) and holding a bottle of water for it to drink.

Some artists on RedBubble have banded together to do what they can to raise funds to help those that need it, and have created a group that is supporting the Victorian bushfires appeal through various works of art. The t-shirt above is a recreation of the now famous photo of Tree and Sam the Koala bear.

Costiness=$25.94 Buy it at RedBubble

Tagged as: animals, Charity, redbubble, T-shirts

http://alittlebitweird.com/ Keane
Ahhh! I love this photo, such an awesome idea for a shirt. Though I’m not a fan of the lack of detail on the firefighter’s face, throws the design off balance.
CathieT
As a proud member of the Phoenix Group, I’d just like to say thanks so much for featuring this shirt!!
http://elvery.net/drzax Simon
Great cause, but a pity the title of this design re-enforces the incorrect idea that Koalas are bears. Which they’re not. They are cute though.
http://andrewbowness.com Andy
True Simon, “How Much Can A Koala Marsupial” just doesn’t have the same ring to it though.
Anne vA
The word ‘bear’ in the title has nothing to do with the animal on two counts. First, it refers to burden. Koalas are not normally the cuddly creatures you would think. So the fact that Koala Sam allowed herself to be helped just goes to show how very distressed she was.
Second, the whole title is a play on words first uttered by comedian Austentashus, an aussie performer, in his piece “Australiana” which uses plays of words and Australian terminology from go to woe. Here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97YnGQE1q6M
The meaning of it all might be lost on those not into Aussie lingo. At one stage he says “How much can a Koala bear”!
For me, this design is symbolic of the whole spirit of people throughout the country coming together to help all in need, including the animals. I love it, I’ve bought it and I’ll buy more. But I might be biased.
Michelle
i want this!