Meet young sisters collecting for embattled rhinos at market
Phoebee (12) and Baylee (10) have raised over R10 000 to date
The Raising Rhinos fund-raising initiative of two sisters, Phoebee (12) and Baylee (10) Roberts, is still going strong since 2017.
To date have raised over R10 000.
The funds raised are contributed to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC).
Phoebee and Baylee will have a stall at the upcoming Glen Marais Succulent and Family Market on June 29. The event will be held in the park on Ouhout Avenue and the duo is set to exhibit items such as plush rhinos, key rings, bracelets, necklaces, cookies and crunchies.
Visitors can also make donations at the stall.
“With the sales and donations they encourage customers to place their fingerprints on their rhino canvas, which, once completed, will be donated to HESC,” said the girls’ mother, Diane Roberts.
The two sisters have so far been troopers. They have put together a Paint-a-Rhino-Save-a-Rhino social event in November 2018. This event was hosted by Monique Bailey of Art Zoo, who donated the use of her studio and her time to assist attendees with painting.
According to Diane, once the event’s fees were collected and a portion used to pay for the materials, the R3 000 profit was donated to HESC.
Diane further listed the girls’ good deeds as they have collected 45kg of Pronutro from friends, family and swimmers attending their mother’s swim school early last year. These funds were donated to HESC.
According to HESC the proceeds donated by Phoebee and Baylee are allocated towards the milk formula that’s used for orphaned rhinos and elephants.
“The proceeds are also used for maintenance of the keeps where these animals reside,” she said.
In addition, Phoebee and Baylee, with the support and help from close relatives, have knitted and donated three blankets to the centre so far.
Diane explained: “These are used to help keep the orphaned rhinos and elephants warm and also help strengthen the baby elephants’ trunks by playing with them. David, the anti-poaching dog and baby rhino Esme’s best friend, also has one to keep him warm on the chilly winter nights.
“We are very proud of our girls and even though they are still young, we know everything they do, will have an even bigger impact later on in life,” Diane concluded.
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